Why the Duke of York Has Surrendered His Royal Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy
In a statement issued via the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed he is relinquishing his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Here are the details of what was announced – and what wasn't.
What Has the Prince Said?
Having already withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has currently chosen to “take additional measures” and agree not to use the “title or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also used the statement to make a point of denying – as he has always done – the allegations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; albeit after settling millions to resolve the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy over the claims involving the prince – particularly after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to protect his relatives from further damage resulting from public speculation.
Has the King Removed Him of His Honors?
No. And although this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it is significant in two respects: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in support of the crown. As he said in his statement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my family and the nation first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed not to use it, the prince keeps the dukedom, along with the titles the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the prestigious position as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Similar to the His Royal Highness title, they essentially become inactive.
He remains royalty and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the king if he is overseas or unwell. However the palace has made clear that, in practice, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement said this choice was made “following talks with the king”. There seems highly likely that, behind the scenes, the palace pushed for the move in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a dukedom would take legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step publicly before the public – it has not happened to a senior royal in over a century – that it would likely cause more reputational damage for the royals.
The prince remains still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he became as the son of a monarch. This could only be changed if a royal decree was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The whole process could end up being drawn-out, implying the objective of quickly addressing the issue – particularly for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be met.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The statement represents an substantial reduction of status he has resisted for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, despite reported efforts by the king to persuade Andrew to move out of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
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 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 king and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny following revelations Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in an email sent three months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were stories about his association with a suspected Chinese spy and, this week, extracts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed the prince “thought that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the king is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo soon, during which he will be the initial British king since Henry VIII 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 Andrew.
What Was the Response?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the action is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “Andrew remains accused of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He ought to be stripped of every honor and his military position and should undergo a criminal investigation. Not using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
