The Reasons the Duke of York Has Surrendered His Official Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy
In a announcement released by the royal household, Prince Andrew has declared he is relinquishing his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Here are the details of what has been announced – and what wasn't.
What Has Andrew Said?
Having already stepped down as a working royal in 2019, the prince has currently decided to “take additional measures” and agree not to use the “title or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also employed the announcement to make a point of denying – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of misconduct made against him; even though after settling 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 regarding the claims involving the prince – particularly after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to safeguard his relatives from further damage caused by public speculation.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Titles?
No. And, while this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it is significant in multiple ways: initially, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have acted honourably in support of the crown. As he said in his announcement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my family and country first.”
Second, while he has agreed not to use it, Andrew retains the dukedom, as well as the titles his earldom and his barony and the prestigious Garter role as a member of the prestigious order. Similar to the royal style honorific, they are effectively dormant.
He remains royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he is also still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign should he be overseas or ill. Although the palace has made clear that, in practice, he will not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement indicated this choice was made “in discussion with the king”. There seems highly likely that, behind the scenes, the royal household pushed for this in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would take an act of parliament, and would represent an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it could result in further harm to the image for the monarchy.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he became as the child of the sovereign. This could only be altered if a royal decree was issued by the king.
The whole process could end up being drawn-out, implying the objective of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Humiliation, likely above all. The announcement represents an substantial reduction of status he has resisted for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding reported efforts by the king to persuade Andrew to move out of the thirty-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been shed on the precise amount of funds the prince has obtained due to his status, he continues to be a person of means. In 2007, he was able to raise £15m from the sale of a home that had been a wedding present from his mother, as an instance.
Why Now?
The continual list of scandals related to the prince has proved intolerable for the king and other senior royals.
His friendship with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines following revelations Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in an email dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were reports about his association with a suspected intelligence operative and, recently, extracts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed Andrew “believed that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.
Moreover, the king is scheduled to make a historic visit to see the pontiff next week, 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 will not have wanted that visit to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Has Been the Reaction?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “justified” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has additionally stated the move is “too little, too late”, noting: “Andrew remains accused of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He ought to be stripped of every honor and his navy rank and should face a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
