Why the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Royal Titles – and What It Means for the Monarchy
In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has confirmed that he will be relinquishing his royal titles, including the Duke of York. Below is an overview of what was revealed – and what wasn't.
What Did Andrew Said?
After previously stepped down as a working royal in 2019, the prince has currently chosen to “go a step further” and agree to refrain from using the “honor or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he used the statement to make a point of rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of misconduct made against him; albeit after settling millions to settle the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has been persistent pressure toward the royal institution over the claims against Andrew – especially since 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.
Has the King Removed Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And although this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it is significant in two respects: first, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in defence of the crown. As he said in his announcement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and country first.”
Second, although he consented to abstain from using it, the prince keeps his ducal title, along with the titles his earldom and his barony and the prestigious Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the His Royal Highness title, they essentially become dormant.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the king should he be abroad or ill. However royal officials has made clear that, in practice, he would not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement said the decision was made “following talks with the king”. There seems little doubt that, privately, the palace advocated for the move in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a ducal title would require legislative action, and would represent an unprecedented step publicly before the nation – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it could result in further reputational damage for the royals.
The prince remains a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he became as the son of a monarch. This would only be altered if a letters patent was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The whole process could end up being drawn-out, implying the goal of quickly addressing the issue – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The statement signifies an substantial reduction of standing he has resisted for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, despite rumoured attempts by his brother to encourage his brother to move out of the thirty-room Crown Estate property 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 person of means. In 2007, he was able to raise £15m from the sale of a home that had been a wedding present from his mother, for example.
Why Now?
The continual series of controversies related to the prince has proved unacceptable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines following revelations that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in an email dispatched months after he claimed to have ended communication.
There have also been stories about his connections with an alleged Chinese spy and, this week, excerpts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed the prince “thought that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Moreover, the king is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff next week, when he will become the initial British king since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that visit to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Was the Reaction?
While he said his sister had been “justified” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts has told the Times that the prince's style should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has also said the action is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “Andrew remains accused of sexual offences and misuse of position. He ought to be stripped of every honor and his military position and should face a criminal investigation. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
