The Reasons the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Royal Titles – and What It Means for the Royal Family
Through a announcement issued via the royal household, the king's brother has declared he is relinquishing his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Here are the details of what was revealed – and what wasn't.
What Did the Prince Said?
After previously withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “go a step further” and consent not to use the “title or the honours which have been granted to” him.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 allegations of misconduct leveled at him; even though after settling millions to settle the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied any claims of wrongdoing.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution 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 additional harm caused by media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And although this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it is significant in multiple ways: initially, it allows Andrew to openly state to have behaved with integrity in defence of the monarchy. As stated in his statement: “I have decided, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and the nation first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed not to use it, the prince keeps the dukedom, as well as the titles his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed position as a member of the prestigious order. Like the HRH royal style honorific, they essentially become dormant.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the sovereign if he is abroad or ill. However 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 this choice was made “in discussion with the king”. It appears highly likely that, behind the scenes, the royal household advocated for the move in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would take legislative action, and would represent such a historic move publicly before the nation – it has not occurred to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it could cause more harm to the image for the monarchy.
The prince remains a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically such as the son of a monarch. This would only be changed if a royal decree was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The whole process could end up being protracted, meaning the goal of quickly addressing the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The statement signifies an substantial reduction of status he has fought against for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding reported efforts by his brother to encourage his brother to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been revealed about the precise amount of money Andrew has received due to his position, he remains a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he managed to raise £15m by selling a home that had been a gift from his mother, for example.
What Prompted This?
The continual series of controversies related to the prince has proved unacceptable for the king and other senior royals.
His friendship with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny following revelations Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in an email sent three months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were stories about his association with an alleged Chinese spy and, recently, extracts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed Andrew “believed that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the king is scheduled to make a historic visit to see the pontiff 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 pope and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that visit to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Has Been the Response?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has also said the move is “too little, too late”, adding: “Andrew remains accused of sexual offences and misuse of position. He should be divested of every honor and his navy rank and should undergo a criminal investigation. Not using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
