The Reasons the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Royal Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy
In a statement released by the royal household, Prince Andrew has declared that he will be relinquishing his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Below is an overview of what was announced – and what wasn't.
What Did the Prince Said?
Having already stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has now chosen to “go a step further” and agree not to use the “honor or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he used the statement to emphatically denying – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of misconduct made against him; albeit having paid out a substantial sum to resolve 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 persistent pressure on the monarchy over the allegations against Andrew – particularly after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to protect the royal family from further damage resulting from public speculation.
Has the King Removed Him of His Titles?
No. And although this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in two respects: first, it allows Andrew to openly state to have behaved with integrity in defence of the monarchy. As he said in his statement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my relatives and country first.”
Additionally, although he consented to abstain from using it, the prince keeps the dukedom, as well as the titles his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious position as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Like the HRH His Royal Highness title, they are effectively dormant.
He remains royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the sovereign if he is abroad or ill. Although royal officials has made clear that, realistically, he will not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement indicated the decision was made “in discussion with the king”. There seems little doubt that, privately, the palace advocated for the move in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would require legislative action, and would represent such a historic move publicly before the public – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it would likely result in further reputational damage for the monarchy.
Andrew is also still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically such as the child of the sovereign. This would only be altered if a royal decree was issued by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure could end up being protracted, meaning the goal of swiftly resolving the matter – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be met.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The statement signifies an substantial reduction of standing he has resisted for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, despite reported efforts by the king to encourage his brother to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been revealed about the precise amount of money the prince has obtained as a result of his status, he remains a person of means. In 2007, he managed to secure £15m by selling a property that had been a gift from his mother, for example.
Why Now?
The continual series of controversies related to the prince has become intolerable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His friendship with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in an email dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were reports about his association with a suspected Chinese spy and, this week, extracts were published from the book released after death 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 due to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo next week, when he will become the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that trip to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Has Been the Reaction?
While he said Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has also said the action is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual offences and misuse of position. He ought to be divested of all titles and his navy rank and should undergo a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”