The Reasons the Duke of York is Giving Up His Official Honors – and the Implications for the Royal Family
Through a statement released via Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has confirmed that he will be giving up his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Here is an overview of what has been announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Did the Prince Announced?
After previously stepped down as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now decided to “go a step further” and consent not to use the “title or the honours 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 misconduct leveled at him; albeit after settling millions to resolve the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing.
There has been persistent pressure toward the royal institution regarding the claims against Andrew – 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 Removed Him of His Honors?
No. And, while this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in multiple ways: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in defence of the crown. As he said in his announcement: “I have decided, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my family and the nation first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed not to use it, Andrew retains his ducal title, as well as the titles the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the royal style title, they are effectively dormant.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the sovereign should he be abroad or unwell. However royal officials has made clear that, in practice, he would not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement said this choice was made “in discussion with the king”. It appears little doubt that, behind the scenes, the royal household pushed for this in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would require legislative action, and would represent such a historic move publicly before the public – it has not happened to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely cause more reputational damage for the monarchy.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically such as the child of the sovereign. This could only be changed if a letters patent was issued by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure could end up being drawn-out, implying the objective of quickly addressing the issue – particularly for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be met.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The statement signifies an effective loss of standing he has resisted for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by the king to persuade Andrew to relocate of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
While little light has been shed on exactly how much money Andrew has received due to his status, he remains a wealthy individual. In 2007, he was able to raise £15m by selling a property that had been a gift from the queen, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The continual list of scandals related to the prince has proved intolerable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His association with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny after it emerged Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in a message dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were reports about his connections with a suspected intelligence operative and, recently, extracts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged the prince “thought that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the king is scheduled to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo soon, when he will become the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that visit to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Was the Response?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “justified” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “true justice” to be done.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has additionally stated the move is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He ought to be divested of all titles and his military position and should undergo a legal probe. Not using archaic honors is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
