The Reasons the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Royal Honors – and the Implications for the Royal Family
In a statement issued by Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has declared that he will be giving up his royal titles, including his dukedom. Below is an overview of what has been revealed – and what wasn't.
What Has Andrew Announced?
Having already withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “go a step further” and agree to refrain from using the “title or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also used the statement to emphatically rejecting – as he has always done – the allegations of misconduct leveled at him; even though having paid out a substantial sum to settle the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing.
There has been ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution regarding the claims against Andrew – particularly after his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to protect his relatives from further damage resulting from public speculation.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And, while this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in two respects: first, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in defence of the monarchy. As he said in his announcement: “I have chosen, 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 the dukedom, along with the titles his earldom and his barony and the esteemed position as a member of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the royal style honorific, they essentially become dormant.
He remains royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he is also still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the king should he be overseas or unwell. Although royal officials has indicated that, in practice, he will not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement indicated the decision was made “in discussion with the king”. There seems highly likely that, privately, the palace pushed for the move in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would require legislative action, and would constitute such a historic move publicly before the nation – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it would likely result in further reputational damage for the monarchy.
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 changed if a letters patent was issued by the reigning monarch.
The whole process might ultimately being drawn-out, implying the objective of quickly addressing the matter – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement signifies an effective loss of standing he has resisted for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, despite reported efforts by his brother to persuade Andrew to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been revealed about exactly how much funds the prince has obtained as a result of his position, he continues to be a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he was able to raise ÂŁ15m by selling a property that had been a wedding present from the queen, as an instance.
Why Now?
The continual series of controversies related to the prince has proved unacceptable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines following revelations Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in an email sent three months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were reports about his association with a suspected intelligence operative and, this week, extracts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed the prince “thought that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Moreover, 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 broke from the Catholic Church 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 Has Been the Response?
Although he stated his sister had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “true justice” to be done.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the move is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual offences and abuse of office. He ought to be stripped of every honor and his navy rank and should undergo a legal probe. Not using archaic honors is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”
