Why the Duke of York is Giving Up His Royal Titles – and the Implications for the Royal Family
In a statement released via Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has confirmed 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 the Prince Announced?
After previously stepped down as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has currently chosen to “take additional measures” and agree to refrain from using the “honor or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also used the statement to emphatically rejecting – as he has always done – the allegations of sexual impropriety made against him; even though after settling millions to resolve the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution regarding the claims involving the prince – especially since his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to protect the royal family from additional harm caused by media scrutiny.
Has the King Removed Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And, while this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it holds importance in multiple ways: first, it allows Andrew to publicly claim 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 country first.”
Second, although he consented not to use it, the prince keeps his ducal title, as well as the honors his earldom and his barony and the esteemed position as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Like the HRH royal style title, they are effectively dormant.
He remains a prince and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the king if he is abroad or unwell. Although the palace has made clear that, realistically, he will not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement indicated the decision was made “in discussion with the king”. It appears little doubt that, behind the scenes, the palace pushed for the move in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a dukedom would take an act of parliament, and would represent an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – 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 child of the sovereign. This would only be altered if a letters patent was enacted by the king.
The whole process could end up being protracted, implying the goal of quickly addressing the matter – at least for the monarchy's interests – may not be met.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an substantial reduction of standing he has resisted for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, despite reported efforts by the king to encourage Andrew to move out of the 30-room royal residence in the Windsor estate.
While little light has been revealed about exactly how much money the prince has obtained as a result of his position, he remains a person of means. Back in 2007, he was able to raise £15m from the sale of a property that had been a wedding present from his mother, for example.
Why Now?
The continual list of scandals involving Andrew has proved intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in an email sent three months after he claimed to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were reports about his association with a suspected intelligence operative and, this week, extracts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed the prince “believed that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the king is scheduled to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo soon, when he will become the initial British king since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that trip to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Was the Response?
Although he stated his sister had been “justified” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that the prince's style should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be done.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the action is “too little, too late”, noting: “Andrew remains accused of sexual offences and misuse of position. He should be divested of all titles and his military position and should face a criminal investigation. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
