Why the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Royal Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy
In a statement issued via Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has confirmed he is giving up his official honors, including the Duke of York. Here are the details of what was revealed – and what wasn't.
What Did Andrew Said?
Having already withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has now decided to “take additional measures” and agree to refrain from using the “honor or the awards which have been granted to” him.
However, he used the statement to make a point of denying – as he has always done – the accusations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; albeit having paid out millions to settle the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has existed persistent pressure toward the royal institution regarding the claims against Andrew – especially since his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to protect the royal family from further damage caused by media scrutiny.
Has the King Removed Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And although this might be viewed as a mere formality, it is significant in two respects: first, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in support of the monarchy. As stated in his announcement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my family and the nation first.”
Second, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, Andrew retains the dukedom, along with the honors the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious position as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the His Royal Highness title, they essentially become inactive.
He continues to be royalty 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 should he be abroad or unwell. However the palace has indicated that, in practice, he will not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement said this choice was made “following talks with the monarch”. There seems highly likely that, behind the scenes, the royal household pushed for this in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would require legislative action, and would represent such a historic move in full view of the nation – it has not happened to a senior royal in over a century – that it could cause more harm to the image for the monarchy.
The prince remains still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically as the son of a monarch. This would only be changed if a letters patent was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure might ultimately being drawn-out, implying the objective of swiftly resolving the issue – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The announcement signifies an effective loss of standing he has fought against for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, despite reported efforts by the king to persuade Andrew to move out of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been revealed about exactly how much money the prince has obtained as a result of his position, he continues to be a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he was able to secure £15m from the sale of a property that had been a gift from the queen, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The continual list of scandals involving Andrew has proved intolerable for the king and other senior royals.
His friendship with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny after it emerged Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in a message dispatched months after he claimed to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were reports about his connections 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 alleged the prince “believed that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Moreover, the king is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo soon, when he will become the initial British king after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that visit to be marred by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Has Been the Response?
While he said Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” 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 abuse of office. He ought to be stripped of all titles and his military position and should undergo a criminal investigation. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a penalty that fits the offences.”