Why the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Royal Titles – and What It Means for the Monarchy
Through a announcement issued by the royal household, Prince Andrew has confirmed he is relinquishing his royal titles, including the Duke of York. Below is an overview of what was revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Has the Prince Announced?
After previously withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has now decided to “go a step further” and agree to refrain from using the “honor or the awards which have been granted to” him.
However, he employed the announcement to make a point of denying – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of misconduct leveled at him; even though having paid out a substantial sum to settle the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy regarding the claims against Andrew – especially since his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to safeguard the royal family from further damage resulting from media scrutiny.
Has the King Removed Him of His Titles?
No. And, while this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it is significant in two respects: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in defence of the crown. As he said in his statement: “I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and the nation first.”
Second, although he consented not to use 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 Order of the Garter. Similar to the His Royal Highness honorific, they essentially become dormant.
He remains royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he is also still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the sovereign should he be abroad or unwell. However royal officials has indicated that, realistically, he will not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement said this choice was made “in discussion with the king”. It appears little doubt that, behind the scenes, the palace pushed for the move in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a dukedom would require legislative action, and would constitute such a historic move publicly before the nation – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it could result in further harm to the image 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 altered if a letters patent was issued by the king.
The entire procedure could end up being protracted, implying the objective of quickly addressing the issue – at least for the monarchy's interests – may not be achieved.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an effective loss of standing he has resisted for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, despite rumoured attempts by his brother to encourage his brother to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been revealed about exactly how much money Andrew has received due to his status, he remains a person of means. In 2007, he was able to secure ÂŁ15m from the sale of a property that had been a wedding present from his mother, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The continual series of controversies involving Andrew has proved unacceptable for the king and other senior royals.
His association with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines following revelations that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in a message sent three months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
There have also been stories about his association with a suspected Chinese spy and, recently, extracts were published 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”.
Moreover, the sovereign is due to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo soon, during which he will be the initial British king after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that trip to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Has Been the Reaction?
While he said Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be done.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has also said the move is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He should be divested of all titles and his military position and should undergo a legal probe. Not using archaic honors is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
