Why the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Official Titles – and the Implications for the Royal Family
Through a statement released via the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed that he will be relinquishing his royal titles, including the Duke of York. Below is an overview of what was revealed – and what wasn't.
What Did the Prince Said?
Having already withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has currently decided to “go a step further” and agree not to use the “honor or the awards which have been granted to” him.
However, he employed the announcement to make a point of denying – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of misconduct leveled at him; even though after settling millions to settle the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied all allegations of improper conduct.
There has been persistent pressure on the monarchy over the allegations involving the prince – particularly after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to protect the royal family from further damage caused by media scrutiny.
Has the King Removed Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And, while this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it is significant in two respects: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in support of the crown. As he said in his statement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to put my duty 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. Like the HRH His Royal Highness honorific, they essentially become inactive.
He remains a prince and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the sovereign should he be overseas or unwell. Although royal officials has indicated that, in practice, he will not be asked to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement indicated this choice was made “following talks with the monarch”. There seems little doubt that, behind the scenes, the royal household advocated for the move in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would take an act of parliament, and would represent an unprecedented step in full view of the public – it has not occurred to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely cause more harm to the image for the royals.
The prince remains still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically as the son of a monarch. This would only be altered if a royal decree was issued by the king.
The whole process could end up being protracted, implying the objective of swiftly resolving the matter – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – may not be achieved.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The statement signifies an effective loss of status he has fought against for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding reported efforts by his brother to persuade Andrew to relocate of the 30-room royal residence in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been shed on exactly how much funds the prince has obtained as a result of his position, he remains a person of means. In 2007, he managed to raise £15m from the sale of a property that had been a wedding present from the queen, for example.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless series of controversies involving Andrew has become unacceptable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His association with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines following revelations Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in a message dispatched months after he claimed to have ended communication.
There have also been reports about his connections with a suspected Chinese spy and, recently, excerpts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed the prince “thought that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the king is due to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo next week, during which he will be the first English monarch since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that trip to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Has Been the Reaction?
Although he stated his sister had been “vindicated” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts informed the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “true justice” to be done.
The republican campaign group Republic has also said the move is “too little, too late”, adding: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He ought to be stripped of every honor and his military position and should undergo a legal probe. Not using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
