Why the Duke of York is Giving Up His Official Titles – and the Implications for the Royal Family
Through a statement issued by the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed that he will be relinquishing his royal titles, including the Duke of York. Below is an overview of what has been announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Has the Prince Announced?
After previously withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has currently decided to “go a step further” and consent not to use the “honor or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also employed the announcement to emphatically denying – as he has always done – the accusations of sexual impropriety 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 firmly denied any claims of improper conduct.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy regarding the claims involving the prince – particularly after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to safeguard his relatives from further damage caused by 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 multiple ways: first, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in support of the crown. As he said in his statement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and the nation first.”
Additionally, although he consented to abstain from using it, the prince keeps his ducal title, as well as the titles the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the prestigious Garter role as a member of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH His Royal Highness title, 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 king if he is overseas or unwell. However royal officials has indicated that, realistically, he will not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement said this choice was made “following talks with the king”. There seems little doubt that, behind the scenes, the palace pushed for the move in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a dukedom would take an act of parliament, and would constitute an unprecedented step publicly before the nation – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it could cause more reputational damage for the monarchy.
The prince remains a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically such as the child of the sovereign. This could only be altered if a letters patent was issued by the king.
The entire procedure might ultimately being drawn-out, meaning the goal of quickly addressing the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be met.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The announcement represents an effective loss of status he has resisted for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, despite rumoured attempts by the king to encourage Andrew to relocate of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been shed on the precise amount of money Andrew has received due to his position, he remains a wealthy individual. In 2007, he managed to secure £15m by selling a property that had been a wedding present from the queen, for example.
Why Now?
The continual list of scandals related to the prince has become intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in an email dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were stories about his connections with a suspected 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 “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 after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that visit to be marred by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Has Been the Reaction?
While he said Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts informed the Times that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has also said the move is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “Andrew remains accused of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He should be divested of every honor and his navy rank and should undergo a criminal investigation. Not using archaic honors is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
