Why the Duke of York is Giving Up His Royal Honors – and What It Means for the Monarchy
In a statement issued via the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed he is giving up his official honors, such as his dukedom. Below is an overview of what has been announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Has the Prince Said?
Having already stepped down as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has currently decided to “take additional measures” and agree to refrain from using the “honor or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also employed the announcement to emphatically denying – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; even though after settling a substantial sum to settle the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected any claims of improper conduct.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution over the claims involving the prince – especially since his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to safeguard his relatives from additional harm caused by public speculation.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Titles?
No. And, while this might be viewed as a mere formality, it holds importance in two respects: first, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in support of the monarchy. As stated in his statement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my relatives and the nation first.”
Second, although he consented to abstain from using it, the prince keeps his ducal title, along with the honors his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed position as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the royal style title, they are effectively dormant.
He remains royalty and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign should he be abroad or unwell. Although royal officials has indicated that, in practice, he will not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement indicated this choice was made “in discussion 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 Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a ducal title would require an act of parliament, and would constitute such a historic move in full view of the nation – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it could cause more reputational damage for the monarchy.
The prince remains a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he became such as the child of the sovereign. This could only be changed if a letters patent was enacted by the king.
The entire procedure could end up being drawn-out, meaning the goal of quickly addressing the matter – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Humiliation, likely above all. 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 their Windsor residence, despite rumoured attempts by his brother to persuade his brother to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been revealed about the precise amount of funds the prince has obtained due to his status, he remains a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he managed to raise £15m from the sale of a home that had been a wedding present from his mother, as an instance.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless list of scandals involving Andrew has proved intolerable for the king and other senior royals.
His association with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny after it emerged Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in an email sent three months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
There have also been stories about his association with a suspected Chinese spy and, recently, extracts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed the prince “believed that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Moreover, the sovereign is scheduled to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo next week, during which he will be the initial British king after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that visit to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Was the Reaction?
While he said his sister had been “vindicated” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts informed the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “true justice” to be done.
The republican campaign group Republic has also said the move is “too little, too late”, noting: “Andrew remains accused of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He should be stripped of all titles and his navy rank and should undergo a legal probe. Not using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
