The Reasons the Duke of York Has Surrendered His Royal Titles – and the Implications for the Royal Family
Through a announcement issued by Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has confirmed that he will be giving up his royal titles, such as the Duke of York. Below are the details of what was revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Has Andrew Said?
Having already stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has currently decided to “take additional measures” and agree not to use the “honor or the awards which have been granted to” him.
But he also used the statement to emphatically denying – as he has always done – the accusations of misconduct made against him; albeit having paid out a substantial sum to settle the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected any claims of improper conduct.
There has been ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution regarding the allegations against Andrew – especially since his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to protect his relatives from further damage resulting from media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And, while this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it is significant in multiple ways: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in support of the crown. As he said in his announcement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my family and the nation first.”
Additionally, although he consented not to use it, Andrew retains the dukedom, as well as the honors the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the esteemed Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH royal style honorific, they are effectively inactive.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he remains still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the sovereign if he is abroad or ill. Although royal officials has indicated that, in practice, he would not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement said the decision was made “following talks with the king”. There seems little doubt that, privately, the palace advocated for this in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would require legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step publicly before the nation – it has not happened to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it could cause more reputational damage for the royals.
The prince remains still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically as the son of a monarch. This could only be changed if a letters patent was issued by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure might ultimately being protracted, meaning the goal of quickly addressing the issue – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an substantial reduction of standing he has fought against for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, despite reported efforts by his brother to persuade Andrew to move out of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been revealed about the precise amount of money Andrew has received due to his position, he remains a wealthy individual. In 2007, he was able to raise £15m by selling a property 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 unacceptable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny following revelations that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in a message sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were reports about his association with a suspected intelligence operative and, this week, extracts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed the prince “believed that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is due to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo next week, during which he will be 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 visit to be marred by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Was the Response?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “justified” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed the Times that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be done.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has also said the action is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual offences and misuse of position. He should be divested of every honor and his military position and should undergo a legal probe. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
