The Reasons the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Official Honors – and What It Means for the Monarchy
Through a announcement issued by the royal household, the king's brother has declared that he will be giving up his royal titles, including his dukedom. Here is an overview of what has been announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Has the Prince Announced?
After previously stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has now decided to “take additional measures” and consent to refrain from using the “title or the honours which have been granted to” him.
However, he employed the announcement to emphatically rejecting – as he has always done – the accusations of misconduct made against him; even though after settling a substantial sum to settle the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied any claims of improper conduct.
There has existed persistent pressure on the monarchy over the claims involving the prince – particularly after his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to protect the royal family from additional harm caused by media scrutiny.
Has the King Removed Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And, while this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it is significant in multiple ways: initially, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in defence of the crown. As stated in his statement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and country first.”
Additionally, although he consented not to use it, the prince keeps the dukedom, as well as the titles his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious position as a member of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH royal style title, they are effectively inactive.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the king if he is overseas or ill. However the palace has made clear that, in practice, he would not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement said the decision was made “in discussion with the monarch”. There seems little doubt that, behind the scenes, the palace advocated for the move in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would take an act of parliament, and would constitute such a historic move publicly before the public – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it could result in further reputational damage for the royals.
The prince remains a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically such as the child of the sovereign. This could only be altered if a letters patent was issued by the reigning monarch.
The whole process could end up being drawn-out, implying the objective of swiftly resolving the matter – particularly for the monarchy's interests – may not be met.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The statement represents an substantial reduction of standing he has fought against for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding reported efforts by his brother to encourage his brother to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been shed on the precise amount of 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 property that had been a wedding present from his mother, for example.
Why Now?
The continual list of scandals related to the prince has proved intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines following revelations that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in a message dispatched months after he claimed to have ended communication.
There have also been stories about his connections with an alleged intelligence operative and, this week, extracts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged Andrew “thought that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the king is due to make a historic visit to see the pontiff soon, 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 visit to be marred by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Was the Reaction?
While he said Giuffre had been “justified” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that the prince's style ought to be removed for “true justice” to be achieved.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has also said the action is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual offences and misuse of position. He should be stripped of every honor and his military position and should face a criminal investigation. Not using archaic honors is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
