Why the Duke of York Has Surrendered His Royal Titles – and the Implications for the Monarchy
In a statement released by the royal household, the king's brother has declared that he will be giving up his official honors, 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 now decided to “go a step further” and agree to refrain from using the “title or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he used the statement to make a point of rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of misconduct leveled at him; even though after settling a substantial sum to resolve the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has been persistent pressure toward the royal institution over the claims against Andrew – particularly after his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to safeguard the royal family from additional harm caused by public speculation.
Has the King Removed Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And although this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it is significant in two respects: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in support of the crown. As stated in his announcement: “I have decided, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my family and country first.”
Second, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, the prince keeps the dukedom, as well as the titles 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 title, they are effectively dormant.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he remains still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the sovereign should he be overseas or unwell. However royal officials has made clear that, realistically, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement indicated this choice was made “in discussion with the monarch”. There seems highly likely that, behind the scenes, the palace pushed for the move in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would require legislative action, and would constitute such a historic move publicly before the nation – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it could cause more harm to the image for the monarchy.
Andrew is also still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he became as the son of a monarch. This could only be changed if a royal decree was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The whole process could end up being protracted, meaning the objective of quickly addressing the issue – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The statement signifies an substantial reduction of standing he has resisted for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by his brother to encourage his brother to relocate of the thirty-room royal residence in the Windsor estate.
While little light has been shed on the precise amount of money Andrew has received as a result of his position, 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, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The continual list of scandals related to the prince has become unacceptable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny following revelations that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in an email dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
There have also been stories about his association with an alleged intelligence operative and, recently, extracts appeared from the posthumous memoir 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 due to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo soon, during which he will be the initial British king after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that visit to be marred by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Has Been the Reaction?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts informed the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “true justice” to be done.
The republican campaign group Republic has also said the action is “too little, too late”, adding: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual offences and abuse of office. He should be divested of all titles and his navy rank and should undergo a criminal investigation. Not using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”
