Why the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Royal Titles – and the Implications for the Monarchy
In a statement issued by Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has confirmed he is relinquishing his official honors, such as his dukedom. Below are the details of what was announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Has the Prince Said?
Having already withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has currently decided to “go a step further” and agree to refrain from using the “honor or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also employed the announcement to make a point of denying – as he has always done – the accusations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; even though after settling a substantial sum to settle the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied all allegations of improper conduct.
There has been ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution regarding the allegations against Andrew – especially since his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to safeguard his relatives from further damage resulting from public speculation.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Honors?
No. And although this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it is significant in two respects: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in defence of the monarchy. As he said in his announcement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my family and the nation first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed not to use it, the prince keeps the dukedom, along with the honors the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Similar to the His Royal Highness honorific, they are effectively dormant.
He remains a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the king should he be overseas or ill. However the palace has indicated that, realistically, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement indicated the decision was made “following talks with the monarch”. It appears little doubt that, behind the scenes, the palace pushed for this in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a ducal title would require legislative action, and would represent an unprecedented step publicly before the nation – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it could result in further harm to the image for the monarchy.
Andrew is also still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically such as the son of a monarch. This could only be altered if a royal decree was issued by the reigning monarch.
The whole process might ultimately being protracted, meaning the goal of quickly addressing the matter – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an substantial reduction of status he has resisted for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by his brother to encourage his brother to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been shed on the precise amount of funds the prince has obtained as a result of his position, he continues to be a person of means. In 2007, he managed to raise £15m from the sale of a property that had been a gift from his mother, as an instance.
Why Now?
The continual list of scandals related to the prince has become unacceptable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His association with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in a message sent three months after he claimed to have ended communication.
There have also been reports about his connections with a suspected Chinese spy and, this week, excerpts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed the prince “believed that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the sovereign is scheduled to make a historic visit to see the pontiff next week, during which he will be the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that trip to be marred by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Has Been the Reaction?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts has told the Times that the prince's style ought to be removed for “true justice” to be achieved.
The republican campaign group Republic has additionally stated the action is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual offences and abuse of office. He should be stripped of every honor and his navy rank and should undergo a legal probe. Not using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
