Why the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Official Titles – and the Implications for the Royal Family
In a statement released by the royal household, Prince Andrew has confirmed that he will be giving up his royal titles, such as the Duke of York. Here is an overview of what was announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Did the Prince Said?
Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “take additional measures” and agree to refrain from using the “title or the awards which have been granted to” him.
However, he used the statement to make a point of rejecting – as he has always done – the allegations of misconduct made against him; albeit after settling a substantial sum to resolve the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied all allegations of improper conduct.
There has been ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy over the allegations against Andrew – especially since his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to protect the royal family from further damage caused by public speculation.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Titles?
No. And, while this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in multiple ways: first, it allows Andrew to openly state to have behaved with integrity in support of the monarchy. As he said in his statement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my family and country first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, the prince keeps his ducal title, as well as the honors 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 essentially become inactive.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the king if he is abroad or ill. Although royal officials has made clear that, in practice, he will not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement indicated the decision was made “in discussion with the monarch”. It appears highly likely that, privately, the palace pushed for the move in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would take an act of parliament, and would represent such a historic move in full view of the public – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it could result in further harm to the image for the monarchy.
The prince remains a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he became such as the son of a monarch. This could only be changed if a letters patent was issued by the king.
The entire procedure could end up being protracted, implying the goal of swiftly resolving the matter – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The announcement signifies an effective loss of status he has resisted for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by his brother to encourage Andrew to relocate of the thirty-room royal residence in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been shed on exactly how much money the prince has obtained as a result of his position, he remains a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he was able to raise £15m from the sale of a property that had been a gift from the queen, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The continual series of controversies involving Andrew has become unacceptable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines after it emerged Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in a message sent three months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
There have also been reports about his connections with a suspected intelligence operative and, this week, extracts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged the prince “thought that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the king is scheduled to make a historic visit to see the pontiff soon, when he will become the first English monarch since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that trip to be marred by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Has Been the Reaction?
While he said his sister had been “vindicated” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that the prince's style ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be done.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has also said the move is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He should be stripped of every honor and his navy rank and should undergo a criminal investigation. Not using archaic honors is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”
