Why the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Royal Titles – and What It Means for the Monarchy
Through a statement released by the royal household, Prince Andrew has confirmed he is relinquishing his official honors, including his dukedom. Here are the details of what was revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Has Andrew Announced?
Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has currently decided to “go a step further” and consent not to use the “title or the awards which have been granted to” him.
But he also used the statement to make a point of denying – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of sexual impropriety made against him; albeit after settling millions to resolve the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected any claims of improper conduct.
There has been ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution regarding the allegations involving the prince – particularly after his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to safeguard his relatives from further damage caused by public speculation.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And, while this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it is significant in multiple ways: first, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in support of the crown. As stated in his announcement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to put my duty to my relatives and country first.”
Second, although he consented not to use it, the prince keeps his ducal title, as well as the titles the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious Garter role as a member of the prestigious order. Similar to the His Royal Highness title, they are effectively dormant.
He remains royalty and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign if he is overseas or unwell. However the palace has made clear that, in practice, he will not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement said the decision was made “in discussion with the monarch”. There seems little doubt that, privately, the palace advocated for this in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Formally 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 public – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely result in further reputational damage for the royals.
The prince remains a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically as the son of a monarch. This could only be altered if a royal decree was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The whole process might ultimately being protracted, implying the goal of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Embarrassment, 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 their Windsor residence, despite rumoured attempts by the king to persuade his brother to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been revealed about the precise amount of funds Andrew has received due to his position, he remains a wealthy individual. In 2007, he managed to secure £15m from the sale of a home that had been a gift from the queen, for example.
Why Now?
The continual list of scandals related to the prince has become unacceptable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny following revelations Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in an email sent three months after he claimed to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were stories about his connections with an alleged Chinese spy and, this week, extracts were published from the book released after death 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 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 will not have wanted that trip to be marred by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Was the Reaction?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “justified” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “true justice” to be done.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has also said the move is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He ought to be divested of every honor and his navy rank and should face a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
