Why the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Official Honors – and the Implications for the Royal Family
In a announcement released via Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has declared that he will be relinquishing his royal titles, including the Duke of York. Below is an overview of what has been announced – and what wasn't.
What Has the Prince Announced?
After previously withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has currently chosen to “take additional measures” and consent not to use the “honor or the awards which have been granted to” him.
But he also used the statement to make a point of denying – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of misconduct made against him; albeit after settling a substantial sum to settle the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution regarding the allegations involving the prince – particularly after his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to protect the royal family from additional harm resulting from media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And although this could be dismissed 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 monarchy. As stated in his statement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my family and country first.”
Second, while he has agreed not to use it, the prince keeps his ducal title, as well as the honors his earldom and his barony and the esteemed position as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Similar to the royal style title, they essentially become inactive.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the sovereign if he is abroad or unwell. Although royal officials has made clear that, in practice, he would not be asked to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement said this choice was made “following talks with the king”. There seems highly likely that, behind the scenes, the royal household advocated for the move in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would take an act of parliament, and would constitute an unprecedented step publicly before the nation – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it would likely cause more harm to the image for the monarchy.
Andrew is also still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he became as the son of a monarch. This would only be changed if a royal decree was enacted by the king.
The entire procedure could end up being drawn-out, meaning the goal of quickly addressing the matter – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be achieved.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The statement signifies an substantial reduction of status he has fought against for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by his brother to encourage his brother to relocate of the 30-room royal residence in the Windsor estate.
While little light has been revealed about the precise amount of funds the prince has obtained as a result of his status, he remains a wealthy individual. In 2007, he was able to raise £15m by selling a property that had been a gift from his mother, for example.
Why Now?
The continual list of scandals involving Andrew has become unacceptable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines following revelations that the prince stated to 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 a suspected intelligence operative and, recently, extracts 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 make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo next week, when he will become the initial British king since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that trip to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Has Been the Response?
Although he stated his sister had been “vindicated” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has also said the action is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He ought to be stripped of all titles and his military position and should face a criminal investigation. Not using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”
