The Reasons the Duke of York Has Surrendered His Royal Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy
In a announcement issued via Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has confirmed that he will be relinquishing his royal titles, such as the Duke of York. Below are the details of what has been announced – and what wasn't.
What Did Andrew Announced?
After previously withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has now decided to “go a step further” and agree to refrain from using the “title or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also used the statement to make a point of denying – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of sexual impropriety made against him; even though having paid out millions to settle the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied any claims of improper conduct.
There has been ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution regarding the allegations against Andrew – particularly after his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to safeguard the royal family from additional harm resulting from public speculation.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And although this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in two respects: first, it enables the prince to openly state to have behaved with integrity in defence of the monarchy. As he said in his statement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and country first.”
Second, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, Andrew retains the dukedom, as well as the honors his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed position as a member of the prestigious order. Like the HRH His Royal Highness title, they essentially become inactive.
He remains a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he remains still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the sovereign should he be overseas or unwell. However the palace has indicated that, in practice, he would not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement indicated this choice was made “in discussion with the monarch”. It appears highly likely that, behind the scenes, the royal household advocated for this in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would require legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step publicly before the public – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it could cause more harm to the image for the monarchy.
Andrew is also still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he became as the child of the sovereign. This would only be altered if a royal decree was issued by the king.
The entire procedure could end up being drawn-out, meaning the objective of quickly addressing the issue – particularly for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an substantial reduction of standing he has fought against for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by the king to persuade Andrew to move out of the thirty-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been revealed about exactly how much funds Andrew has received as a result of his status, he remains a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he was able to secure £15m by selling a property that had been a gift from his mother, for example.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless series of controversies involving Andrew has proved unacceptable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His friendship with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny following revelations Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in a message dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were stories about his connections with a suspected Chinese spy and, this week, excerpts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed Andrew “believed that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is due to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff next week, during which he will be the initial British king after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that trip to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Was the Reaction?
While he said his sister had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts has told the Times that the prince's style should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be done.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has also said the action is “too little, too late”, noting: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual offences and abuse of office. He ought to be divested of every honor and his military position and should undergo a criminal investigation. Not using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
