The Reasons the Duke of York is Giving Up His Official Honors – and What It Means for the Monarchy
In a announcement issued by the royal household, Prince Andrew has declared that he will be giving up his royal titles, including his dukedom. Below is an overview of what has been revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Did Andrew Said?
After previously stepped down as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “take additional measures” and consent to refrain from using the “honor or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also used the statement to make a point of denying – as he has always done – the accusations of sexual impropriety made against him; even though after settling a substantial sum to settle the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied all allegations of improper conduct.
There has been persistent pressure on the monarchy over the claims involving the prince – particularly after his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to safeguard his relatives from additional harm caused by media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Titles?
No. And, while this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in multiple ways: first, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in defence of the crown. As stated in his statement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and country first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed not to use it, Andrew retains the dukedom, along with the titles the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the esteemed position as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the royal style honorific, they are effectively inactive.
He remains a prince and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he remains still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the sovereign if he is overseas or unwell. Although the palace has made clear that, realistically, he would not be asked to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement said this choice was made “following talks with the monarch”. It appears highly likely that, privately, the palace advocated for this in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would require legislative action, and would represent such a historic move publicly before the nation – it has not occurred to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely result in further reputational damage for the monarchy.
The prince remains a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically such as the child of the sovereign. This would only be changed if a royal decree was enacted by the king.
The entire procedure could end up being protracted, implying the goal of swiftly resolving the matter – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be met.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The statement signifies an substantial reduction of standing he has fought against for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, despite reported efforts by his brother to encourage Andrew to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
While little light has been revealed about the precise amount of funds the prince has obtained due to his position, he remains a person of means. Back in 2007, he was able to secure £15m by selling a property that had been a gift from the queen, for example.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless list of scandals related to the prince has become unacceptable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His association 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 sent three months after he claimed to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were reports about his connections with an alleged intelligence operative and, recently, excerpts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged Andrew “believed that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the king is scheduled to make a historic visit to see the pontiff next week, when he will become the initial British king since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that visit to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Was the Reaction?
While he said Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be done.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has also said the action is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual offences and abuse of office. He ought to be stripped of every honor and his navy rank and should face a legal probe. Not using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
