The Reasons the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Royal Titles – and the Implications for the Royal Family
In a statement issued by the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed that he will be giving up his royal titles, such as the Duke of York. Here are the details of what has been revealed – and what wasn't.
What Did Andrew Said?
Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “take additional measures” and consent to refrain from using the “title or the honours which have been granted to” him.
However, he used the statement to emphatically rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; albeit after settling millions to settle the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected all allegations of improper conduct.
There has been ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution regarding the claims against Andrew – especially since his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to safeguard his relatives from further damage resulting from public speculation.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Honors?
No. And, while this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it holds importance in multiple ways: first, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have acted honourably in support of the monarchy. As stated in his statement: “I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and the nation first.”
Second, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, Andrew retains his ducal title, as well as the titles his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Like the HRH His Royal Highness title, they are effectively inactive.
He remains a prince and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign should he be abroad or ill. However the palace has indicated that, in practice, he would not be asked to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement indicated the decision was made “in discussion with the monarch”. It appears little doubt that, privately, the palace pushed for the move in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
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 in full view of the public – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it could cause more reputational damage for the monarchy.
The prince remains still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically as the child of the sovereign. This could only be changed if a letters patent was issued by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure might ultimately being protracted, meaning the objective of swiftly resolving the matter – particularly for the monarchy's interests – may not be met.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The statement represents an effective loss of status he has fought against for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, despite rumoured attempts by the king to encourage Andrew to move out of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
While little light has been revealed about exactly how much money Andrew has received due to his status, he continues to be a person of means. Back in 2007, he was able to raise £15m from the sale of a property that had been a wedding present from his mother, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The continual list of scandals involving Andrew has proved unacceptable for the king and other senior royals.
His friendship with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in an email sent three months after he claimed to have ended communication.
There have also been reports about his association with a suspected Chinese spy and, recently, extracts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed the prince “thought that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the king is due to make a historic visit to see the pontiff soon, during which he will be the first English monarch since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father 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?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts informed the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be done.
The republican campaign group Republic has also said the action is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He ought to be divested of all titles and his military position and should undergo a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
