Why the Duke of York is Giving Up His Official Titles – and the Implications for the Monarchy
Through a announcement issued by the royal household, the king's brother has declared that he will be relinquishing his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Below is an overview of what has been revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Has Andrew Said?
Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now chosen to “take additional measures” and consent not to use the “honor or the awards which have been granted to” him.
However, he used the statement to make a point of rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of misconduct leveled at him; albeit having paid out millions to resolve the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy regarding the allegations involving the prince – particularly after his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to safeguard his relatives from further damage caused by public speculation.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And although this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it is significant in two respects: initially, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have acted honourably in defence of the crown. As he said in his announcement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and the nation first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed not to use it, the prince keeps the dukedom, along with the honors his earldom and his barony and the prestigious Garter role as a member of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH royal style title, they are effectively dormant.
He remains a prince and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he is also still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the king should he be overseas or ill. However the palace has indicated that, in practice, he would not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement indicated this choice was made “following talks with the monarch”. There seems highly likely that, behind the scenes, the palace advocated for the move in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a ducal title would require legislative action, and would represent an unprecedented step publicly before the nation – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely result in further harm to the image for the royals.
The prince remains still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically such as the child of the sovereign. This could only be changed if a royal decree was issued by the king.
The entire procedure might ultimately being protracted, meaning the goal of quickly addressing the matter – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – may not be met.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The announcement signifies an effective loss of standing he has resisted for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding reported efforts by his brother to encourage his brother to move out of the 30-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been shed on exactly how much funds Andrew has received as a result of his status, he remains a person of means. Back in 2007, he was able to secure £15m by selling a home that had been a gift from the queen, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The continual series of controversies involving Andrew has become intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny following revelations Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in a message sent three months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were reports about his association with a suspected intelligence operative and, recently, excerpts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed Andrew “believed that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the king is scheduled to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo soon, during which he will be the first English monarch since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that trip to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Has Been the Reaction?
Although he stated his sister had been “vindicated” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed the Times that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be done.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has also said the action is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual offences and misuse of position. He should be divested of every honor and his military position and should undergo a criminal investigation. Not using archaic honors is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”
