Why the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Royal Honors – and What It Means for the Monarchy
Through a announcement issued via Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has declared that he will be giving up his official honors, including his dukedom. Below is an overview of what has been revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Has Andrew Announced?
After previously stepped down as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now chosen to “go a step further” and agree not to use the “honor or the honours which have been granted to” him.
But he also used the statement to emphatically rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of misconduct leveled at him; even though after settling a substantial sum to resolve the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has existed persistent pressure on the monarchy over the allegations involving the prince – particularly after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to protect the royal family from additional harm resulting from media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And, while this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in two respects: first, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have acted honourably in defence of the monarchy. As he said in his statement: “I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my relatives and country first.”
Additionally, although he consented not to use it, the prince keeps his ducal title, along with the titles the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the prestigious position as a member of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH royal style honorific, they essentially become inactive.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he remains still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the king should he be abroad or unwell. However the palace has made clear that, realistically, he will not be asked to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement said this choice was made “in discussion with the king”. It appears highly likely that, privately, the palace advocated for this in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would require legislative action, and would constitute such a historic move publicly before the public – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it would likely cause more harm to the image for the monarchy.
The prince remains a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he became such as the child of the sovereign. This would only be changed if a letters patent was issued by the king.
The entire procedure might ultimately being drawn-out, implying the objective of swiftly resolving the issue – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – may not be achieved.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The statement 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, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by the king to encourage Andrew to move out of the 30-room royal residence in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been revealed about exactly how much funds the prince has obtained as a result of his status, he remains a wealthy individual. In 2007, he managed to secure £15m by selling a home that had been a gift from his mother, as an instance.
Why Now?
The continual list of scandals related to the prince has become unacceptable for the king and other senior royals.
His friendship with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines following revelations Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in an email dispatched months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were stories about his association with an alleged intelligence operative and, recently, excerpts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged Andrew “thought that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the sovereign is due to make a historic visit to see the pontiff next week, 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 his brother.
What Has Been the Response?
Although he stated his sister had been “vindicated” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that the prince's style should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be done.
The republican campaign group Republic has additionally stated the action is “too little, too late”, adding: “Andrew remains accused of sexual offences and abuse of office. 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 penalty that matches the accusations.”
