Why the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Official Titles – and What It Means for the Royal Family
In 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 the Prince Announced?
After previously stepped down as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now chosen to “take additional measures” and consent not to use the “title or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he used the statement to make a point of rejecting – as he has always done – the allegations of misconduct made against him; even though having paid out a substantial sum to settle the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of improper conduct.
There has been ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy over the allegations involving the prince – especially since his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to safeguard the royal family from additional harm caused by public speculation.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Titles?
No. And although this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in two respects: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in defence of the crown. As he said in his announcement: “I have decided, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and country first.”
Second, although he consented not to use it, the prince keeps his ducal title, along with the titles the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the royal style honorific, they essentially become inactive.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the king if he is abroad or ill. Although royal officials has indicated that, in practice, he would not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement indicated this choice was made “following talks with the king”. There seems little doubt that, behind the scenes, the palace pushed for the move in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would require an act of parliament, and would represent such a historic move publicly before the public – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it would likely result in further harm to the image for the royals.
Andrew is also still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically as the son of a monarch. This could only be altered if a letters patent was issued by the king.
The whole process might ultimately being protracted, meaning the goal of quickly addressing the matter – particularly for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be met.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The announcement signifies an substantial reduction of status he has fought against for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by the king to encourage Andrew to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been revealed about exactly how much funds Andrew has received due to his position, he continues to be a person of means. Back in 2007, he managed to raise £15m by selling a property that had been a gift from the queen, for example.
What Prompted This?
The continual list of scandals involving Andrew has proved unacceptable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His association with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in a message sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
There have also been reports about his association with a suspected intelligence operative and, recently, extracts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged the prince “thought that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is scheduled to make a historic visit 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 pope and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that visit to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Has Been the Reaction?
While he said his sister had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts has told the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has also said the action is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He should be stripped of all titles and his navy rank and should face a criminal investigation. Not using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
