Why the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Official Titles – and What It Means for the Royal Family
In a statement issued by Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has confirmed that he will be giving up his royal titles, including his dukedom. Below are the details of what has been revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Has the Prince Announced?
Having already withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has now chosen to “take additional measures” and agree not to use the “title or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also employed the announcement to emphatically denying – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of sexual impropriety made against him; albeit having paid out millions to resolve the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied all allegations of improper conduct.
There has existed persistent pressure on the monarchy regarding the allegations against Andrew – particularly after his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to safeguard his relatives from further damage caused by media scrutiny.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Honors?
No. And although this might be viewed as a mere formality, it holds importance in two respects: first, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in support of the monarchy. As stated in his statement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and the nation first.”
Additionally, although he consented not to use it, the prince keeps the dukedom, as well as the titles the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the esteemed position as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH royal style honorific, they essentially become dormant.
He remains a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the king should he be abroad or unwell. However royal officials has indicated that, realistically, he will not be asked to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement indicated the decision was made “following talks with the king”. There seems highly likely that, privately, the palace advocated for this in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a dukedom would take legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it could cause more harm to the image for the monarchy.
The prince remains still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he became such as the child of the sovereign. This would only be altered if a letters patent was enacted by the king.
The whole process could end up being protracted, meaning the goal of quickly addressing the issue – particularly for the monarchy's interests – may not be met.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Humiliation, likely above all. The statement represents an substantial reduction of standing he has fought against for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, despite rumoured attempts by his brother to encourage Andrew to relocate of the 30-room royal residence in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been shed on the precise amount of funds Andrew has received due to his position, he remains a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he was able to secure £15m from the sale of a property that had been a gift from the queen, for example.
What Prompted This?
The continual series of controversies related to the prince has become intolerable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny after it emerged Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in a message dispatched months after he claimed to have ended communication.
There have also been stories about his association with an alleged intelligence operative and, this week, excerpts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged Andrew “thought that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the king is due to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo next week, during which he will be the first English monarch since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that visit to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Has Been the Reaction?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be done.
The republican campaign group Republic has also said the move is “too little, too late”, noting: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He ought to be stripped of every honor and his navy rank and should face a criminal investigation. Not using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
