Why the Duke of York Has Surrendered His Royal Honors – and What It Means for the Monarchy
Through a announcement released via the royal household, Prince Andrew has declared he is relinquishing his royal titles, such as the Duke of York. Below is an overview of what was revealed – and what wasn't.
What Has Andrew Announced?
After previously withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now decided to “take additional measures” and consent not to use the “honor or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he used the statement to make a point of rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of misconduct leveled at him; albeit having paid out a substantial sum to settle the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied any claims of improper conduct.
There has been ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy regarding the claims against Andrew – particularly after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to safeguard his relatives from further damage resulting from public speculation.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And although this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in multiple ways: initially, it enables the prince to openly state to have acted honourably in support of the crown. As stated in his statement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my family and the nation first.”
Additionally, although he consented to abstain from using it, Andrew retains his ducal title, along with the honors his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious position as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Like the HRH royal style honorific, they are effectively dormant.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign should he be overseas or unwell. Although the palace has made clear that, in practice, he would not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement said this choice was made “following talks with the king”. It appears highly likely that, privately, the palace pushed for this in the aim 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 public – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it could result in further harm to the image for the monarchy.
Andrew is also still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically such as the son of a monarch. This could only be changed if a royal decree was issued by the reigning monarch.
The whole process could end up being protracted, implying the goal of swiftly resolving the matter – at least for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be met.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Humiliation, likely above all. The statement signifies an effective loss of status he has resisted for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding reported efforts by his brother to persuade Andrew to relocate of the 30-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been revealed about exactly how much money the prince has obtained due to his position, he remains a person of means. Back in 2007, he was able to secure ÂŁ15m from the sale of a home that had been a gift from his mother, for example.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless series of controversies related to the prince has proved unacceptable for the king and other senior royals.
His friendship with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny following revelations Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in a message sent three months after he claimed to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were reports about his connections with an alleged intelligence operative and, this week, excerpts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed Andrew “thought that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the king is due to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff next week, during which he will be the initial British king after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that visit to be marred by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Was the Reaction?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts has told the Times 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 action is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “Andrew remains accused of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He ought to be stripped of all titles and his navy rank and should face a criminal investigation. Not using archaic honors is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”