Why the Duke of York is Giving Up His Royal Honors – and What It Means for the Royal Family
Through a statement released via the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed he is relinquishing his royal titles, including his dukedom. Here are the details of what was revealed – and what wasn't.
What Did Andrew Announced?
Having already stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “go a step further” and agree not to use the “honor or the awards which have been granted to” him.
However, he employed the announcement to make a point of rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; albeit having paid out a substantial sum to settle the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution over the claims against Andrew – especially since his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to safeguard his relatives from additional harm resulting from public speculation.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And although this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in two respects: initially, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have acted honourably in support of the monarchy. As stated in his statement: “I have chosen, as I always have, 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 titles the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious position as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Like the HRH royal style title, they essentially become inactive.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he is also still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign if he is abroad or ill. However the palace has indicated that, realistically, 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 monarch”. It appears little doubt that, privately, the palace pushed for the move in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would require legislative action, and would represent an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it could cause more reputational damage for the royals.
The prince remains a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he became such as the son of a monarch. This could only be changed if a letters patent was issued by the reigning monarch.
The whole process could end up being protracted, implying the goal of swiftly resolving the issue – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – may not be achieved.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an substantial reduction of status he has resisted for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, despite reported efforts by the king to encourage his brother to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
While little light has been shed on exactly how much funds the prince has obtained as a result of his position, he continues to be a wealthy individual. In 2007, he managed to secure £15m from the sale of a property that had been a gift from the queen, for example.
Why Now?
The continual list of scandals involving Andrew has proved intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny following revelations Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in a message dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were stories about his association with a suspected Chinese spy and, recently, excerpts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed the prince “believed that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the sovereign is due to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo soon, during which he will be the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that visit to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Has Been the Reaction?
While he said Giuffre had been “justified” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts has told the Times that the prince's style should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has also said the move is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “Andrew remains accused of sexual offences and misuse of position. He ought to be stripped of every honor and his military position and should undergo a legal probe. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
