Why the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Official Titles – and What It Means for the Royal Family
In a statement issued via Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has declared he is relinquishing his royal titles, such as the Duke of York. Here is an overview of what was revealed – and what wasn't.
What Did the Prince Said?
After previously stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has currently chosen to “take additional measures” and consent not to use the “honor or the honours which have been granted to” him.
But he also employed the announcement to make a point of rejecting – as he has always done – the accusations of misconduct leveled at him; albeit after settling millions to resolve the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has been persistent pressure on the monarchy over the allegations against Andrew – especially since his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to protect his relatives from further damage resulting from public speculation.
Has the King Removed Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And although this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it is significant in multiple ways: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in defence of the crown. As stated in his statement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my family and the nation first.”
Second, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, Andrew retains the dukedom, as well as the honors the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Like the HRH His Royal Highness honorific, they are effectively inactive.
He remains a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he is also still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the sovereign should he be overseas or unwell. Although the palace has made clear that, in practice, he will not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement said the decision was made “in discussion with the king”. It appears little doubt that, privately, the palace pushed for the move in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would take an act of parliament, and would constitute such a historic move in full view of the public – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely result in further harm to the image for the monarchy.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically such as the child of the sovereign. This would only be altered if a royal decree was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The whole process could end up being protracted, implying the goal of quickly addressing the issue – particularly for the monarchy's interests – may not be met.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Humiliation, likely above all. The announcement signifies an substantial reduction of standing he has resisted for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, despite rumoured attempts by the king to persuade his brother to move out of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been revealed about exactly how much money the prince has obtained as a result of his status, he continues to be a wealthy individual. In 2007, he managed to raise £15m from the sale of a property that had been a gift from his mother, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The continual list of scandals involving Andrew has become unacceptable for the king and other senior royals.
His friendship 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 a message sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were reports about his connections with a suspected intelligence operative and, this week, excerpts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged Andrew “thought that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the king is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff soon, during which he will be the initial British king since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that visit to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Has Been the Reaction?
While he said Giuffre had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts informed the Times that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved.
The republican campaign group Republic has also said the action is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual offences and abuse of office. He should be stripped of all titles and his military position and should undergo a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
