The Reasons the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Official Titles – and What It Means for the Monarchy
Through a announcement released by the royal household, 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 Did the Prince Announced?
After previously stepped down as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now decided to “take additional measures” and agree to refrain from using the “title or the awards which have been granted to” him.
However, he used the statement to make a point of rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of sexual impropriety made against him; albeit after settling millions to resolve the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing.
There has been persistent pressure on the monarchy over the claims against Andrew – particularly after his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to safeguard the royal family from further damage caused by public speculation.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And although this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it is significant in multiple ways: first, it allows Andrew to openly state to have behaved with integrity in support of the crown. As he said in his announcement: “I have decided, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and country first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed not to use it, Andrew retains his ducal title, along with the honors his earldom and his barony and the esteemed Garter role as a member of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH royal style title, they essentially become inactive.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he remains still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the sovereign if he is overseas or ill. Although the palace has made clear that, in practice, he would not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement said this choice was made “in discussion with the king”. It appears little doubt that, behind the scenes, the palace advocated for this in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a ducal title would take legislative action, and would constitute such a historic move publicly before the public – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it could cause more reputational damage for the monarchy.
The prince remains still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically such as the son of a monarch. This could only be altered if a letters patent was enacted by the king.
The entire procedure might ultimately being drawn-out, meaning the goal of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The statement represents an effective loss of status he has resisted for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, despite rumoured attempts by his brother to persuade his brother to relocate of the 30-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been revealed about the precise amount of money Andrew has received due to his status, he continues to be a person of means. In 2007, he managed to raise £15m by selling a home that had been a gift from his mother, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The continual list of scandals involving Andrew has become intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny following revelations Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in a message sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were reports about his association with an alleged intelligence operative and, recently, extracts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed the prince “thought that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the king is due to make a historic visit to see the pontiff soon, during which he will be the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that trip to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Was the Response?
While he said his sister had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “true justice” to be done.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has also said the move is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual offences and abuse of office. He should be divested of all titles and his military position and should face a criminal investigation. Not using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
