Why the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Royal Titles – and What It Means for the Royal Family
In a statement issued by the royal household, Prince Andrew has declared that he will be relinquishing his official honors, such as his dukedom. Here is an overview of what was announced – and what wasn't.
What Did Andrew Said?
After previously withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now chosen to “take additional measures” and agree to refrain from using the “title or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he used the statement to emphatically denying – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of misconduct made against him; albeit having paid out a substantial sum to settle the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of improper conduct.
There has been ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy over the claims involving the prince – particularly after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to safeguard the royal family from additional harm resulting from public speculation.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And, while this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it is significant in two respects: first, it enables the prince to openly state to have acted honourably in support of the monarchy. As stated in his announcement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my family and country first.”
Additionally, although he consented to abstain from using it, the prince keeps the dukedom, as well as the honors the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the esteemed Garter role as a member of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the His Royal Highness honorific, they are effectively dormant.
He remains royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he is also still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the king should he be overseas or ill. However the palace has made clear that, realistically, he would not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement said the decision was made “in discussion with the monarch”. There seems little doubt that, privately, the royal household pushed for this in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a dukedom would require an act of parliament, and would constitute an unprecedented step publicly before the nation – it has not occurred to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it could result in further harm to the image for the royals.
The prince remains still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he became such as the child of the sovereign. This would only be changed if a letters patent was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure could end up being protracted, meaning the objective of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The statement represents an substantial reduction of status he has fought against for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, despite rumoured attempts by his brother to persuade his brother to relocate of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been revealed about the precise amount of money Andrew has received as a result of his position, he continues to be a wealthy individual. In 2007, he was able to raise £15m by selling a home that had been a gift from his mother, for example.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless series of controversies related to the prince has proved intolerable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in a message dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were reports about his association with an alleged Chinese spy and, this week, extracts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged the prince “believed that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the sovereign 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 Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that visit to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Has Been the Reaction?
While he said his sister had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts informed the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has also said the move is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual offences and abuse of office. He ought to be stripped of every honor and his military position and should face a legal probe. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
