Why the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Royal Titles – and What It Means for the Royal Family
Through a announcement released by the royal household, Prince Andrew has declared he is relinquishing his royal titles, including the Duke of York. Here is an overview of what has been revealed – and what wasn't.
What Did the Prince Announced?
After previously withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has now chosen to “take additional measures” and agree not to use the “title or the awards which have been granted to” him.
But he also used the statement to make a point of denying – as he has always done – the accusations 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 firmly denied any claims of improper conduct.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy over the allegations involving the prince – particularly after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to safeguard the royal family from further damage resulting from media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And, while this might be viewed as a mere formality, it holds importance in multiple ways: initially, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in defence of the crown. As he said in his statement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and the nation first.”
Second, while he has agreed not to use it, the prince keeps his ducal title, as well as the honors his earldom and his barony and the esteemed Garter role 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 succession to the throne. Theoretically, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the king if he is overseas or unwell. However royal officials has indicated that, realistically, he would not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement indicated the decision was made “in discussion with the king”. There seems highly likely that, privately, the palace pushed for the move in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a ducal title would require legislative action, and would represent such a historic move in full view of the nation – it has not happened to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely cause more reputational damage for the royals.
The prince remains a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he became such as the child of the sovereign. This could only be changed if a royal decree was enacted by the king.
The entire procedure might ultimately being drawn-out, implying the goal of quickly addressing the matter – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be met.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Humiliation, likely above all. The announcement signifies an substantial reduction of status he has resisted for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by the king to persuade his brother to move out of the thirty-room royal residence in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been shed on exactly how much money Andrew has received as a result of his position, he continues to be a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he was able to secure £15m by selling a home that had been a wedding present from his mother, as an instance.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless series of controversies related to the prince has become intolerable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once 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 ended communication.
There have also been reports about his association with an alleged Chinese spy and, recently, excerpts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged Andrew “believed that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is due to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo soon, when he will become the initial British king since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church 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 Was the Reaction?
While he said his sister had been “justified” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The republican campaign group Republic has also said the action is “too little, too late”, adding: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual offences and abuse of office. He should be stripped of every honor and his navy rank and should undergo a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
