The Reasons the Duke of York is Giving Up His Official Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy
Through a statement released by Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has confirmed that he will be giving up his royal titles, including the Duke of York. Here is an overview of what was revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Did Andrew Announced?
After previously withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has now decided to “take additional measures” and agree not to use the “honor or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also employed the announcement to emphatically rejecting – as he has always done – the allegations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; even though having paid out a substantial sum to resolve the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing.
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 presently states that his actions are to safeguard the royal family from further damage resulting from public speculation.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Titles?
No. And, while this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it holds importance in multiple ways: initially, it allows Andrew to openly state to have acted honourably in support of the monarchy. As he said in his announcement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and country first.”
Second, although he consented to abstain from using it, the prince keeps his ducal title, along with the honors his earldom and his barony and the prestigious position as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the His Royal Highness title, they are effectively inactive.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the king should he be abroad or unwell. Although royal officials has indicated that, in practice, he will not be asked to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement indicated this choice was made “in discussion with the monarch”. It appears highly likely that, behind the scenes, the royal household advocated for the move in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a dukedom would require legislative action, and would represent an unprecedented step publicly before the public – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it would likely result in further harm to the image for the royals.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically such as the son of a monarch. This would only be changed if a royal decree was issued by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure might ultimately being drawn-out, meaning the goal of swiftly resolving the matter – particularly for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The statement represents an effective loss of status he has fought against for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding reported efforts by his brother to encourage his brother to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been shed on exactly how much funds the prince has obtained as a result of his status, he remains a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he managed to raise £15m by selling a home that had been a gift from the queen, as an instance.
Why Now?
The continual series of controversies related to the prince has become unacceptable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His friendship with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines after it emerged Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in an email dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
There have also been reports about his connections with an alleged intelligence operative and, this week, excerpts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged the prince “thought that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is due to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo soon, during which he will be the first English monarch 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 would not desire that trip to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Was the Response?
While he said his sister had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts has told the Times that the prince's style ought to be removed for “true justice” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has additionally stated the action is “too little, too late”, adding: “Andrew remains accused of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He should be stripped of every honor and his navy rank and should face a criminal investigation. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
