The Reasons the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Royal Titles – and the Implications for the Monarchy
In a announcement released by the royal household, Prince Andrew has declared that he will be giving up his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Below are the details of what was revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Did the Prince Said?
Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has currently decided to “take additional measures” and agree not to use the “honor or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also used the statement to make a point of denying – as he has always done – the accusations of misconduct leveled at him; even though after settling millions to settle the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected any claims of improper conduct.
There has existed persistent pressure on the monarchy over the claims against Andrew – particularly after his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to safeguard the royal family from additional harm caused by public speculation.
Has the King Removed Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And, while this might be viewed as a mere formality, it holds importance in multiple ways: first, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in defence of the crown. As stated in his announcement: “I have decided, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my family and country first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, the prince keeps the dukedom, as well as the titles his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed Garter role as a member of the prestigious order. Like the HRH His Royal Highness honorific, they are effectively dormant.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the king should he be overseas or unwell. However the palace has made clear that, realistically, he will not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement said this choice was made “following talks with the king”. It appears highly likely that, behind the scenes, the palace advocated for this in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would take an act of parliament, and would represent such a historic move publicly before the nation – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it could result in further harm to the image for the monarchy.
The prince remains a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically such as the son of a monarch. This would only be changed if a royal decree was issued by the king.
The entire procedure might ultimately being drawn-out, meaning the goal of quickly addressing the issue – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – may not be achieved.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The announcement signifies an substantial reduction of standing he has resisted for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, despite rumoured attempts by his brother to encourage Andrew to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been revealed about exactly how much money the prince has obtained due to his status, he remains a person of means. In 2007, he managed to raise £15m from the sale of a home that had been a gift from the queen, for example.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless series of controversies involving Andrew has proved unacceptable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines after it emerged Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in an email sent three months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
There have also been reports about his connections with an alleged Chinese spy and, recently, extracts appeared 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 sovereign is due to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo next week, when he will become the initial British king after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that visit to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Was the Reaction?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts has told the Times that the prince's style ought to be removed for “true justice” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has additionally stated the action is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He ought to be divested of every honor and his military position and should undergo a criminal investigation. Not using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
