Why the Duke of York is Giving Up His Official Titles – and the Implications for the Royal Family
In a announcement issued by the royal household, the king's brother has declared he is giving up his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Below are the details of what was revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Did Andrew Said?
After previously stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has currently chosen to “go a step further” and agree to refrain from using the “honor or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also used the statement to make a point of rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of sexual impropriety made against him; even though after settling a substantial sum to settle the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected all allegations of improper conduct.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy over the claims against Andrew – particularly after his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to protect the royal family from additional harm resulting from media scrutiny.
Has the King Removed Him of His Titles?
No. And although this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in two respects: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in support of the crown. As stated in his announcement: “I have decided, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my family and country first.”
Additionally, although he consented to abstain from using it, Andrew retains the dukedom, along with the titles his earldom and his barony and the prestigious Garter role as a member of the prestigious order. Similar to the His Royal Highness honorific, they essentially become dormant.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign should he be overseas or ill. However the palace has indicated that, in practice, he will not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement indicated this choice was made “following talks with the monarch”. There seems little doubt that, privately, the palace pushed for the move in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would take legislative action, 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 royals.
The prince remains still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he became such as the son of a monarch. This would only be altered if a royal decree was enacted by the king.
The entire procedure might ultimately being drawn-out, implying the goal of quickly addressing the matter – particularly for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily 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, still live in Royal Lodge, despite rumoured attempts by his brother to encourage his brother to relocate of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been shed on exactly how much money the prince has obtained as a result of his status, he remains a person of means. In 2007, he managed to raise £15m by selling a home that had been a wedding present from the queen, for example.
Why Now?
The continual series of controversies involving Andrew has proved intolerable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in a message dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were stories about his association with an alleged intelligence operative and, recently, excerpts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed Andrew “thought that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.
Moreover, the king is scheduled to make a historic visit to see the pontiff next week, when he will become the initial British king after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that visit to be marred by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Has Been the Reaction?
While he said his sister had been “vindicated” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts has told the Times that the prince's style ought to be removed for “true justice” to be achieved.
The republican campaign group Republic has additionally stated the move is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “Andrew remains accused of sexual offences and misuse of position. He ought to be divested of all titles and his military position and should face a legal probe. Not using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
