Why the Duke of York is Giving Up His Official Titles – and What It Means for the Royal Family
In a announcement issued via the royal household, the king's brother has declared that he will be relinquishing his official honors, such as the Duke of York. Here are the details of what was revealed – and what wasn't.
What Has the Prince Announced?
Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has currently decided to “go a step further” and consent not to use the “title or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he 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 a substantial sum to settle the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied any claims of wrongdoing.
There has existed persistent pressure toward the royal institution over the claims against Andrew – especially since 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.
Has the King Removed Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And, while 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 defence of the monarchy. As stated in his statement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my relatives and the nation first.”
Second, although he consented not to use it, Andrew retains the dukedom, along with the titles his earldom and his barony and the prestigious position as a member of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH royal style title, they essentially become inactive.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he is also still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the king if he is overseas or unwell. However the palace has indicated that, realistically, he would 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 king”. There seems highly likely that, privately, the palace pushed for this in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a dukedom would take legislative action, and would represent such a historic move publicly before the public – it has not occurred to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely cause more reputational damage for the royals.
The prince remains a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he became such as the child of the sovereign. This would only be changed if a royal decree was enacted by the king.
The whole process might ultimately being protracted, implying the goal of quickly addressing the issue – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The announcement signifies an substantial reduction of status he has fought against for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, despite reported efforts by the king to persuade his brother to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been revealed about the precise amount of funds Andrew has received as a result of his status, he remains a wealthy individual. In 2007, he managed to secure £15m from the sale of a property that had been a gift from the queen, as an instance.
Why Now?
The continual series of controversies involving Andrew has become intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in an email dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were stories about his association with a suspected intelligence operative and, recently, extracts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed the prince “thought that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is scheduled to make a historic visit to see the pontiff next week, during which he will be the initial British king after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that visit to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Was the Reaction?
While he said Giuffre had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts informed the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be done.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the action is “too little, too late”, adding: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual offences and abuse of office. He should be stripped of all titles and his military position and should face a legal probe. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
