Why the Duke of York is Giving Up His Official Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy
Through a announcement issued by Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has confirmed that he will be relinquishing his official honors, such as his dukedom. Below is an overview of what has been revealed – and what wasn't.
What Has Andrew Announced?
After previously withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has currently decided to “go a step further” and consent not to use the “honor or the awards which have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 make a point of denying – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of misconduct leveled at him; even though after settling a substantial sum to resolve the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has been ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution regarding the claims against Andrew – particularly after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to safeguard the royal family from further damage caused by media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And, while this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in multiple ways: first, it enables the prince to openly state to have acted honourably in support of the crown. As stated in his statement: “I have decided, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my family and the nation first.”
Additionally, although he consented to abstain from using it, the prince keeps his ducal title, as well as the titles his earldom and his barony and the esteemed position as a member of the prestigious order. Like the HRH His Royal Highness honorific, they are effectively dormant.
He remains royalty and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the king if he is overseas or ill. Although the palace has indicated that, realistically, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement indicated the decision was made “following talks with the king”. It appears little doubt that, privately, the royal household pushed for this in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a dukedom would take an act of parliament, and would represent an unprecedented step publicly before the public – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it would likely cause more reputational damage for the royals.
The prince remains a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically as the son of a monarch. This could only be altered if a royal decree was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure could end up being drawn-out, meaning the objective of quickly addressing the issue – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be met.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The statement represents an substantial reduction of standing he has fought against for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, despite reported efforts by his brother to persuade Andrew to move out of the thirty-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been revealed about exactly how much money the prince has obtained as a result of his status, he continues to be a person of means. Back in 2007, he managed to secure £15m from the sale of a home that had been a gift from his mother, for example.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless series of controversies involving Andrew has become intolerable for the king and other senior royals.
His friendship with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines following revelations Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in an email dispatched months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were stories about his association with a suspected intelligence operative and, recently, excerpts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged the prince “thought that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the sovereign is due to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo soon, during which he will be the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that visit to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Has Been the Reaction?
While he said his sister 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 move is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “Andrew remains accused of sexual offences and abuse of office. He should be divested of all titles and his navy rank and should face a criminal investigation. Not using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
