The Reasons the Duke of York is Giving Up His Official Titles – and the Implications for the Royal Family
In a announcement released by the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed that he will be giving up his official honors, such as the Duke of York. Below is an overview of what was announced – and what wasn't.
What Did Andrew Said?
Having already withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has now chosen to “take additional measures” and consent to refrain from using the “title or the awards which have been granted to” him.
However, he used the statement to make a point of denying – as he has always done – the allegations of misconduct made against him; albeit having paid out a substantial sum to settle the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has been ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution over the allegations against Andrew – especially since his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to safeguard the royal family from further damage caused by media scrutiny.
Has the King Removed Him of His Titles?
No. And, while this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it holds importance in two respects: initially, it enables the prince to openly state to have acted honourably in defence of the crown. As stated in his statement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my family and the nation first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed not to use it, the prince keeps his ducal title, as well as the honors the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed position as a member of the prestigious order. Like the HRH royal style honorific, they essentially become dormant.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the sovereign if he is abroad or unwell. However the palace has made clear that, realistically, he will not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement indicated this choice was made “following talks with the monarch”. There seems little doubt that, behind the scenes, the palace advocated for this 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 require an act of parliament, and would constitute an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not occurred to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it could cause more reputational damage for the royals.
The prince remains a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he became such as the child of the sovereign. This could only be altered if a royal decree was issued by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure might ultimately being drawn-out, meaning the objective of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be met.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Humiliation, likely above all. The statement signifies an substantial reduction of status he has resisted for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by his brother to encourage his brother to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been revealed about the precise amount of money Andrew has received as a result of his position, he continues to be a person of means. In 2007, he was able to raise £15m from the sale of a home that had been a gift from his mother, for example.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless series of controversies related to the prince has become intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines following revelations Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in an email sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
There have also been stories about his association with a suspected Chinese spy and, this week, excerpts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed Andrew “thought that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the king is due to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff soon, during which he will be the initial British king since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that visit to be marred by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Was the Reaction?
Although he stated his sister had been “justified” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The republican campaign group Republic has also said the move is “too little, too late”, noting: “Andrew remains accused of sexual offences and misuse of position. He should be divested of all titles and his navy rank and should face a criminal investigation. Not using archaic honors is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
