The Reasons the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Royal Titles – and What It Means for the Monarchy
Through a statement released by the royal household, Prince Andrew has confirmed he is giving up his royal titles, including his dukedom. Below is an overview of what was revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Has Andrew Announced?
After previously withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now chosen to “take additional measures” and consent not to use the “honor or the awards which have been granted to” him.
However, he employed the announcement to emphatically denying – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of misconduct made against him; albeit having paid out millions to resolve the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied any claims of improper conduct.
There has been persistent pressure toward the royal institution regarding the allegations against Andrew – particularly after his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to safeguard his relatives from additional harm caused by public speculation.
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 two respects: first, it allows Andrew to openly state to have acted honourably in support of the crown. As stated in his statement: “I have decided, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and country first.”
Second, although he consented not to use it, Andrew retains his ducal title, along with the titles the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the esteemed Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Similar to the His Royal Highness title, they are effectively dormant.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he remains still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the sovereign should he be overseas or ill. However royal officials has indicated that, realistically, he will not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is telling 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 the move in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a ducal title would take legislative action, and would represent an unprecedented step in full view of the public – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely cause more harm to the image for the monarchy.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he became such as the son of a monarch. This could only be changed if a royal decree was enacted by the king.
The whole process could end up being protracted, meaning the goal of swiftly resolving the matter – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be met.
What Does It Mean 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, still live in Royal Lodge, despite reported efforts by his brother to persuade his brother to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been shed on exactly how much money Andrew has received as a result of his position, he continues to be a person of means. In 2007, he was able to secure £15m from the sale of a home that had been a wedding present from his mother, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The continual list of scandals involving Andrew has proved intolerable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny following revelations Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in an email dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
There have also been stories about his connections with an alleged intelligence operative and, this week, excerpts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged the prince “believed that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the king 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 Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that trip to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Was the Response?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “justified” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be done.
The republican campaign group Republic has additionally stated the move is “too little, too late”, adding: “Andrew remains accused of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He should be divested of every honor and his navy rank and should face a criminal investigation. Not using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
