The Reasons the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Official Titles – and What It Means for the Monarchy
Through a announcement released by the royal household, Prince Andrew has confirmed he is relinquishing his royal titles, such as the Duke of York. Below is an overview of what has been revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Has Andrew Announced?
After previously withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “take additional measures” and agree not to use the “title or the awards which have been granted to” him.
However, he used the statement to make a point of rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of misconduct leveled at him; even though having paid out a substantial sum to settle the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied any claims of improper conduct.
There has been persistent pressure on the monarchy regarding the allegations against Andrew – especially since his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to protect the royal family from further damage resulting from public speculation.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And although this might be viewed as a mere formality, it is significant in multiple ways: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in defence of the monarchy. As stated in his statement: “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 the dukedom, along with the honors the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed position as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Similar to the royal style honorific, they are effectively dormant.
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 may deputize for the king if he is overseas or ill. Although the palace has made clear that, in practice, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement said this choice was made “following talks with the monarch”. There seems little doubt that, behind the scenes, the palace pushed for the move in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a dukedom would require legislative action, and would constitute such a historic move publicly before the public – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it could result in further harm to the image for the monarchy.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically as the son of a monarch. This could only be changed if a royal decree was issued by the king.
The entire procedure could end up being protracted, implying the goal of quickly addressing the matter – at least 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 effective loss of status he has resisted for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding reported efforts by his brother to persuade Andrew to relocate of the 30-room royal residence in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been revealed about the precise amount of funds the prince has obtained due to his status, he continues to be a person of means. In 2007, he managed to secure £15m from the sale of a home that had been a wedding present from his mother, for example.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless list of scandals related to the prince has become intolerable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His friendship with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in a message dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were stories about his connections with an alleged Chinese spy and, recently, excerpts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed Andrew “thought that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the king is due to make a historic visit to see the pontiff soon, during which he will be the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that visit to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Has Been the Reaction?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts has told the Times that the prince's style should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be done.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has also said the action is “too little, too late”, noting: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual offences and misuse of position. He should be stripped of every honor and his military position and should face a criminal investigation. Not using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”
