Why the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Royal Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy
Through a announcement issued by Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has declared he is giving up his official honors, including the Duke of York. Below is an overview of what has been revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Did Andrew Said?
After previously stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has now decided to “go a step further” and agree not to use the “title or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he employed the announcement to make a point of rejecting – as he has always done – the allegations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; even though after settling a substantial sum to resolve the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of improper conduct.
There has been persistent pressure toward the royal institution regarding the allegations against Andrew – particularly after his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to protect his relatives from additional harm resulting from public speculation.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And although this might be viewed 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 decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my relatives and country first.”
Additionally, although he consented to abstain from using it, Andrew retains the dukedom, along with the honors his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed position as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the His Royal Highness honorific, they essentially become dormant.
He remains royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign should he be abroad or unwell. However royal officials has made clear that, in practice, he would not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement indicated this choice was made “in discussion with the king”. It appears little doubt that, privately, the royal household advocated for this in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would require an act of parliament, and would constitute such a historic move in full view of the nation – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it could result in further harm to the image for the monarchy.
The prince remains a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically as the son of a monarch. This would only be changed if a letters patent was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure could end up being drawn-out, implying the goal of quickly addressing the matter – particularly for the monarchy's interests – may not be met.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The statement represents an substantial reduction of status 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 the king to encourage Andrew to relocate of the 30-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 position, he continues to be a wealthy individual. In 2007, he was able to secure £15m by selling a home that had been a wedding present from his mother, for example.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless list of scandals related to the prince has proved intolerable for the king and other senior royals.
His association with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines after it emerged Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in an email sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were reports about his association with a suspected Chinese spy and, recently, extracts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged Andrew “believed that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff soon, when he will become the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that trip to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Was the Reaction?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts has told the Times that the prince's style should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be done.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has also said the action is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He ought to be stripped of every honor and his navy rank and should undergo a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”