Why the Duke of York is Giving Up His Official Titles – and What It Means for the Royal Family
Through a announcement released by Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has declared he is relinquishing his official honors, including the Duke of York. Below are the details of what was announced – and what wasn't.
What Did Andrew Said?
Having already withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has currently chosen to “take additional measures” and agree not to use the “title or the awards which have been granted to” him.
However, he used the statement to emphatically rejecting – as he has always done – the accusations of sexual impropriety made against him; even though having paid out millions to resolve the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing.
There has existed persistent pressure on the monarchy regarding the allegations involving the prince – particularly after his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to protect his relatives from further damage resulting from public speculation.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And, while this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it is significant in multiple ways: first, it enables the prince to openly state to have behaved with integrity 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 the nation first.”
Second, while he has agreed not to use it, Andrew retains his ducal title, along with the honors the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious position as a member of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH royal style title, they essentially become inactive.
He remains royalty and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign should he be overseas or ill. Although royal officials has indicated that, in practice, he will not be asked to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement said this choice was made “in discussion with the king”. There seems little doubt that, behind the scenes, the palace pushed for this in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would take an act of parliament, and would constitute an unprecedented step publicly before the nation – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it would likely result in further reputational damage for the royals.
Andrew is also 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 issued by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure could end up being protracted, meaning the objective of swiftly resolving the matter – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The statement signifies an effective loss of standing he has fought against for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding reported efforts by his brother to persuade Andrew to move out of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been shed on exactly how much funds the prince has obtained as a result of his status, he continues to be a person of means. Back in 2007, he was able to secure ÂŁ15m from the sale of a home that had been a wedding present from his mother, for example.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless list of scandals related to the prince has become intolerable for the king and other senior royals.
His friendship with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in an email dispatched months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
There have also been reports about his connections with an alleged intelligence operative and, recently, excerpts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed Andrew “believed that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Moreover, the king is due to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff next week, during which he will be the first English monarch since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that trip to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Was the Reaction?
While he said his sister had been “vindicated” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the action is “too little, too late”, noting: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual offences and abuse of office. He should be stripped of all titles and his military position and should face a criminal investigation. Not using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
