Why the Duke of York is Giving Up His Official Honors – and What It Means for the Royal Family
In a announcement released via Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has declared that he will be relinquishing his official honors, such as the Duke of York. Below is an overview of what has been announced – and what wasn't.
What Did Andrew Said?
After previously withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has currently chosen to “go a step further” and consent to refrain from using the “title or the honours which have been granted to” him.
However, he used the statement to make a point of rejecting – as he has always done – the allegations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; albeit after settling a substantial sum to settle the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied all allegations of improper conduct.
There has been persistent pressure on the monarchy over the claims involving the prince – especially since his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to protect his relatives from further damage caused by public speculation.
Has the King Removed Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And, while this might be viewed as a mere formality, it is significant in two respects: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim 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 country first.”
Second, although he consented to abstain from using it, the prince keeps the dukedom, as well as the titles the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed Garter role as a member of the prestigious order. Similar to the His Royal Highness title, they essentially become inactive.
He remains a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign if he is overseas or ill. However royal officials has indicated that, realistically, he will not be asked to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement indicated this choice was made “in discussion with the king”. There seems little doubt that, behind the scenes, the palace advocated for the move in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would require an act of parliament, and would constitute such a historic move publicly before the public – it has not occurred to a senior royal in more than 100 years – 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 became as the child of the sovereign. This would only be altered if a royal decree was issued by the king.
The whole process might ultimately being drawn-out, implying the goal of swiftly resolving the matter – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be met.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The announcement represents an substantial reduction of status he has resisted for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, despite reported efforts by his brother to encourage Andrew to move out of the thirty-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been revealed about the precise amount of funds the prince has obtained due to his position, he continues to be a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he managed to raise £15m from the sale of a property that had been a gift from his mother, for example.
What Prompted This?
The continual series of controversies involving Andrew has proved unacceptable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny following revelations Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in a message dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
There have also been reports about his connections with an alleged intelligence operative and, this week, extracts were published 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”.
Moreover, the sovereign is due to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo next week, when he will become the initial British king since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that trip to be marred by more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Has Been the Response?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the move is “too little, too late”, noting: “Andrew remains accused of sexual offences and abuse of office. He should be stripped of all titles and his military position and should undergo a criminal investigation. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
