Why the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Royal Titles – and the Implications for the Monarchy
Through a statement issued via the royal household, Prince Andrew has confirmed that he will be giving up his official honors, including his dukedom. Below is an overview of what has been announced – and what wasn't.
What Did the Prince Announced?
After previously withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has currently decided to “go a step further” and consent not to use the “title or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also used the statement to make a point of denying – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; even though after settling a substantial sum to resolve the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied any claims of improper conduct.
There has existed persistent pressure toward the royal institution over the allegations involving the prince – particularly after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to safeguard his relatives from further damage resulting from public speculation.
Has the King Removed Him of His Titles?
No. And, while this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it is significant in two respects: first, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in support of the crown. As he said in his statement: “I have decided, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my family and country first.”
Additionally, although he consented to abstain from using it, the prince keeps the dukedom, as well as the honors his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious position as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Like the HRH His Royal Highness honorific, they are effectively dormant.
He remains royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the king should he be overseas or ill. However royal officials has indicated that, in practice, he would not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement said the decision was made “in discussion with the king”. There seems highly likely that, privately, the palace pushed for this in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would take legislative action, and would constitute such a historic move in full view of the public – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it would likely result in further harm to the image for the monarchy.
The prince remains still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he became such as the child of the sovereign. This could only be changed if a letters patent was issued by the reigning monarch.
The whole process might ultimately being protracted, implying the objective of swiftly resolving the matter – particularly for the monarchy's interests – may not be met.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The statement signifies an effective loss of standing he has fought against for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by the king to encourage Andrew to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
While little light has been shed on exactly how much money the prince has obtained as a result of his position, he remains a person of means. In 2007, he managed to secure £15m from the sale of a property that had been a wedding present from his mother, as an instance.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless list of scandals involving Andrew has become intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny following revelations that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in a message sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
There have also been reports about his connections with an alleged intelligence operative and, this week, extracts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged the prince “thought that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Moreover, the sovereign is due to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo soon, during which he will be the first English monarch since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that visit to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Has Been the Reaction?
While he said his sister had been “vindicated” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the move is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He ought to be divested of all titles and his military position and should undergo a criminal investigation. Not using archaic honors is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
