The Reasons the Duke of York Has Surrendered His Official Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy
In a announcement released via the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed that he will be giving up his royal titles, including the Duke of York. Below are the details of what was announced – and what wasn't.
What Did the Prince Announced?
Having already withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “go a step further” and consent not to use the “honor or the honours which have been granted to” him.
However, he employed the announcement to make a point of rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; even though having paid out a substantial sum to resolve the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has been persistent pressure on the monarchy over the claims against Andrew – especially since his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to safeguard the royal family from additional harm resulting from public speculation.
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: initially, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in support of the crown. As stated in his announcement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my relatives and the nation first.”
Second, although he consented to abstain from using it, Andrew retains his ducal title, as well as the titles his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH royal style title, they essentially become inactive.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the king should he be overseas or unwell. However the palace has indicated that, realistically, he would not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement indicated the decision was made “in discussion with the monarch”. It appears little doubt that, privately, the royal household pushed for the move in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a dukedom would require legislative action, and would represent such a historic move publicly before the public – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it would likely result in further reputational damage for the monarchy.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically such as the son of a monarch. This would only be altered if a royal decree was enacted by the king.
The whole process might ultimately being protracted, meaning the objective of quickly addressing the matter – at least for the monarchy's interests – may not be achieved.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The statement signifies an substantial reduction of standing he has fought against for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding reported efforts by the king to persuade his brother to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been shed on the precise amount of money Andrew has received due to his position, he remains a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he was able to secure £15m by selling a property that had been a wedding present from the queen, for example.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless list of scandals related to the prince has become intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
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 are in this together” in an email dispatched months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were stories about his connections with an alleged intelligence operative and, recently, extracts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged the prince “believed that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the king is due to make a historic visit to see the pontiff next week, during which he will be the first English monarch since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that trip to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Has Been the Response?
While he said Giuffre had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts informed the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be done.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the action is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “Andrew remains accused of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He should be divested of every honor and his navy rank and should face a criminal investigation. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
