Why the Duke of York is Giving Up His Official Titles – and the Implications for the Royal Family
Through a announcement issued by Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has declared that he will be relinquishing his royal titles, such as the Duke of York. Here are the details of what was revealed – and what wasn't.
What Has the Prince Said?
After previously withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now decided to “go a step further” and consent not to use the “honor or the honours which have been granted to” him.
However, he employed the announcement to emphatically rejecting – consistent with his past statements – 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 – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy regarding the allegations against Andrew – especially since his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to safeguard the royal family from additional harm resulting from media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And although this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in two respects: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in defence of the monarchy. As stated in his statement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my family and country first.”
Second, although he consented not to use it, the prince keeps the dukedom, as well as the titles the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the esteemed Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the His Royal Highness title, they are effectively dormant.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he is also still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the sovereign if he is overseas or unwell. Although the palace has made clear that, in practice, he would not be asked to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement indicated this choice was made “in discussion with the monarch”. It appears little doubt that, privately, the royal household pushed for the move in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a dukedom would take an act of parliament, and would constitute such a historic move in full view of the nation – it has not occurred to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it could cause more 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 changed if a letters patent was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure could end up being drawn-out, implying the goal of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be met.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The announcement signifies an effective loss of standing he has resisted for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, despite reported efforts by his brother to persuade Andrew to relocate of the thirty-room royal residence in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been revealed about the precise amount of money the prince has obtained as a result of his status, he remains a person of means. Back in 2007, he managed to secure £15m from the sale of a home that had been a gift from his mother, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless list of scandals related to the prince has proved unacceptable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines following revelations Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in a message dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were stories about his association with an alleged intelligence operative and, this week, extracts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged Andrew “believed that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is due to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo next week, 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 pope and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that trip to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Was the Reaction?
While he said his sister had been “justified” by the move, 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 additionally stated the move is “too little, too late”, noting: “Andrew remains accused of sexual offences and abuse of office. He ought to be divested of all titles and his navy rank and should face a legal probe. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
