Why the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Royal Titles – and What It Means for the Royal Family
In a announcement issued via the royal household, Prince Andrew has declared he is giving up his royal titles, including the Duke of York. Below is an overview of what has been revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Has the Prince Announced?
Having already stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has currently decided to “go a step further” and agree not to use the “title or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also used the statement to make a point of rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of sexual impropriety made against him; albeit after settling millions to resolve the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has been persistent pressure on the monarchy over the claims involving the prince – particularly after his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to safeguard 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 mere formality, it is significant in two respects: initially, it allows Andrew to openly state to have behaved with integrity in defence of the monarchy. As he said in his announcement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my relatives and country first.”
Second, although he consented not to use it, the prince keeps his ducal title, along with the titles his earldom and his barony and the prestigious Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH His Royal Highness honorific, they essentially become dormant.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he is also still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the king if he is overseas or unwell. However royal officials has made clear that, realistically, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement said this choice was made “in discussion with the monarch”. It appears highly likely that, privately, the royal household pushed for the move in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a dukedom would take legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step publicly before the public – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it would likely result in further reputational damage for the monarchy.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically as the child of the sovereign. This could only be altered if a royal decree was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure might ultimately being drawn-out, meaning the goal of swiftly resolving the matter – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement signifies an effective loss of standing he has resisted for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, despite reported efforts by the king to encourage his brother to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been revealed about exactly how much money Andrew has received due to his status, he remains a person of means. In 2007, he was able to secure £15m by selling a property that had been a wedding present from his mother, for example.
Why Now?
The continual list of scandals involving Andrew has proved intolerable for the king and other senior royals.
His association with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in an email sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
There have also been stories about his connections with an alleged intelligence operative and, this week, extracts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed the prince “thought that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the king is scheduled to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo soon, 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 leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that visit to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Was the Reaction?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has also said the action is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual offences and misuse of position. He ought to be stripped of all titles and his navy rank and should face a criminal investigation. Not using archaic honors is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
