Why the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Royal Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy
Through a statement issued by Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has declared he is relinquishing his royal titles, including the Duke of York. Here are the details of what was announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Did Andrew Announced?
Having already stepped down as a working royal in 2019, the prince has currently chosen to “take additional measures” and agree to refrain from using the “honor or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also employed the announcement to emphatically denying – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of misconduct leveled at him; even though after settling millions to settle the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied any claims of wrongdoing.
There has been persistent pressure on the monarchy regarding the claims involving the prince – especially since his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to protect the royal family from further damage resulting from public speculation.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Honors?
No. And although this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it holds importance 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 statement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my family and the nation first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, the prince keeps the dukedom, as well as the honors his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed Garter role as a member of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH His Royal Highness honorific, they essentially become inactive.
He remains a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the king if he is overseas or unwell. Although royal officials has indicated that, in practice, he will not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement said this choice was made “following talks with the monarch”. There seems highly likely that, privately, the palace advocated for the move in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a ducal title would take legislative action, and would represent such a historic move publicly before the public – it has not happened to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely result in further reputational damage for the royals.
The prince remains still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he became such as the son of a monarch. This could only be changed if a royal decree was issued by the king.
The whole process could end up being protracted, implying the objective of swiftly resolving the matter – particularly 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 resisted for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, despite reported efforts 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 exactly how much money Andrew has received as a result of his position, he remains a wealthy individual. In 2007, he was able to raise £15m by selling a home that had been a wedding present from his mother, for example.
Why Now?
The continual list of scandals related to the prince has proved unacceptable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny following revelations Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in a message sent three months after he claimed to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were reports about his association with a suspected Chinese spy and, recently, excerpts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged the prince “thought that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the sovereign is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo next week, when he will become the first English monarch since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that visit to be marred by more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Was the Reaction?
Although he stated his sister had been “vindicated” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts has told 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 action is “too little, too late”, noting: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He should be stripped of all titles and his navy rank and should undergo a criminal investigation. Not using archaic honors is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
