Why the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Official Titles – and What It Means for the Monarchy
Through a announcement issued by the royal household, Prince Andrew has declared that he will be relinquishing his royal titles, such as the Duke of York. Here are the details of what has been announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Did the Prince Said?
After previously withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has now chosen to “go a step further” and consent not to use the “title or the awards which have been granted to” him.
But he also employed the announcement to emphatically rejecting – as he has always done – the allegations of misconduct leveled at him; albeit having paid out millions to settle the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing.
There has existed persistent pressure toward the royal institution over the claims against Andrew – especially since his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to safeguard the royal family from additional harm resulting from media scrutiny.
Has the King 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 openly state to have acted honourably in defence of the monarchy. As he said in his announcement: “I have decided, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and the nation first.”
Second, although he consented to abstain from using it, the prince keeps his ducal title, as well as the titles his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious Garter role as a member of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the His Royal Highness honorific, they are effectively dormant.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the king should he be abroad or unwell. However royal officials has indicated that, realistically, he will not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement 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 cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would require an act of parliament, and would constitute an unprecedented step publicly before the nation – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely result in further reputational damage for the monarchy.
The prince remains a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically such as the son of a monarch. This could only be changed if a royal decree was enacted by the king.
The entire procedure might ultimately being protracted, implying the goal of quickly addressing the matter – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – may not be achieved.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Humiliation, likely above all. The announcement represents an effective loss of status he has fought against for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by the king to encourage his brother to move out of the 30-room royal residence in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been shed on the precise amount of money Andrew has received as a result of his status, he continues to be a person of means. Back 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 seemingly endless series of controversies related to the prince has proved unacceptable for the king and other senior royals.
His friendship with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines following revelations Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in an email dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
There have also been reports about his connections with an alleged intelligence operative and, recently, excerpts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged the prince “thought that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the king is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff next week, when he will become 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 would not desire that visit to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Has Been the Response?
While he said his sister had been “justified” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be done.
The republican campaign group Republic has additionally stated the move is “too little, too late”, noting: “Andrew remains accused of sexual offences and misuse of position. He ought to be stripped of all titles and his navy rank and should face a legal probe. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a penalty that fits the offences.”