Why the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Official Titles – and the Implications for the Royal Family
In a statement issued via Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has confirmed he is relinquishing his royal titles, including his dukedom. Here is an overview of what has been revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Has the Prince Announced?
After previously withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has currently chosen to “go a step further” and consent to refrain from using the “title or the awards which have been granted to” him.
But he also employed the announcement to emphatically denying – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of misconduct made against him; albeit after settling millions to resolve the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of improper conduct.
There has existed persistent pressure on the monarchy regarding the claims against Andrew – particularly after his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to safeguard the royal family from further damage resulting from public speculation.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And, while this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in multiple ways: first, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in defence of the crown. As he said in his announcement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my family and country first.”
Additionally, although he consented to abstain from using it, the prince keeps his ducal title, as well as the titles his earldom and his barony and the prestigious Garter role as a member of the prestigious order. Similar to the royal style title, they are effectively dormant.
He remains a prince and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he is also still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the sovereign if he is abroad or unwell. However royal officials has indicated that, realistically, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement said this choice was made “following talks with the monarch”. There seems highly likely that, behind the scenes, the palace advocated for the move in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a dukedom would take legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it would likely result in further reputational damage for the monarchy.
The prince remains still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he became as the child of the sovereign. This would only be changed if a letters patent was issued by the king.
The entire procedure could end up being protracted, implying the objective of quickly addressing the matter – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The statement represents an substantial reduction of standing he has resisted for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by the king to persuade his brother to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been shed on the precise amount of funds Andrew has received due to his status, he remains a person of means. In 2007, he managed to secure £15m from the sale of a home that had been a wedding present from his mother, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless series of controversies related to the prince has become intolerable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His association with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny following revelations Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in an email dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
There have also been stories about his association with an alleged intelligence operative and, recently, excerpts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged Andrew “thought that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the king is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff next week, during which he will be the initial British king since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that trip to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Was the Reaction?
While he said his sister had been “justified” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told the Times that the prince's style ought to be removed for “true justice” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has also said the move is “too little, too late”, noting: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual offences and misuse of position. He should be divested of all titles and his military position and should undergo a criminal investigation. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”