The Reasons the Duke of York is Giving Up His Official Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy
In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has confirmed that he will be giving up his royal titles, including the Duke of York. Here are the details of what has been announced – and what wasn't.
What Has Andrew Said?
Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has currently decided to “go a step further” and agree not to use the “title or the honours which have been granted to” him.
But he also used the statement to make a point of denying – as he has always done – the accusations of misconduct made against him; albeit having paid out millions to resolve the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied any claims of wrongdoing.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution over the claims involving the prince – particularly after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to safeguard the royal family from additional harm caused by public speculation.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And although this might be viewed as a mere formality, it is significant in two respects: first, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in defence of the crown. As he said in his statement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and country first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, Andrew retains his ducal title, as well as the titles his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed position as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Similar to the His Royal Highness honorific, they are effectively dormant.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he remains still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the sovereign if he is abroad or ill. However royal officials has indicated that, in practice, he would not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement said this choice was made “in discussion with the king”. There seems highly likely that, behind the scenes, the royal household advocated for the move in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would require legislative action, and would represent such a historic move publicly before the public – it has not occurred to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it could result in further harm to the image for the royals.
Andrew is also 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 enacted by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure might ultimately being protracted, implying the objective of quickly addressing the matter – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be achieved.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an effective loss of standing he has fought against for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, despite rumoured attempts by his brother to persuade his brother to relocate of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
While little light has been revealed about the precise amount of money the prince has obtained as a result of his status, he continues to be a person of means. In 2007, he managed to secure £15m by selling a property that had been a wedding present from his mother, for example.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless series of controversies involving Andrew has become unacceptable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny after it emerged Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in an email dispatched months after he claimed to have ended communication.
There have also been reports about his connections with an alleged Chinese spy and, recently, extracts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed Andrew “thought that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the sovereign is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo soon, during which he will be the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that visit to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Has Been the Response?
While he said Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed the Times that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved.
The republican campaign group Republic has also said the move is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He should be divested of all titles and his navy rank and should face a legal probe. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”
