The Reasons the Duke of York is Giving Up His Official Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy
In a statement released via Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has declared he is giving up his official honors, such as his dukedom. Here is an overview of what has been revealed – and what wasn't.
What Has the Prince Said?
After previously withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “take additional measures” and agree to refrain from using the “honor or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he used the statement to make a point of rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; albeit after settling a substantial sum to resolve the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied any claims of improper conduct.
There has been persistent pressure toward the royal institution regarding the allegations against Andrew – particularly after his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to protect the royal family from additional harm resulting from public speculation.
Has the King Removed Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And although this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it is significant in two respects: first, it enables the prince to openly state to have acted honourably in support of the crown. As stated in his statement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my relatives and country first.”
Second, although he consented to abstain from using it, Andrew retains the dukedom, as well as the titles the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the esteemed position as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Like the HRH His Royal Highness title, they are effectively inactive.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the king should he be overseas or ill. However the palace has made clear that, in practice, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement said the decision was made “in discussion with the king”. There seems little doubt that, behind the scenes, the palace advocated for this in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a ducal title would take legislative action, and would represent an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it could cause more reputational damage for the monarchy.
The prince remains still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he became as the child of the sovereign. This would only be changed if a letters patent was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure could end up being protracted, meaning the goal of swiftly resolving the matter – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Humiliation, likely above all. The statement represents an effective loss of status he has fought against for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, despite rumoured attempts by his brother to encourage Andrew to move out of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been revealed about the precise amount of money Andrew has received due to his status, he continues to be a wealthy individual. In 2007, he was able to secure £15m by selling a property that had been a gift from the queen, for example.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless series of controversies involving Andrew has proved unacceptable for the king and other senior royals.
His association with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in an email sent three months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
There have also been reports about his connections with a suspected intelligence operative and, recently, excerpts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed Andrew “thought that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the king is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo 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 pope and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that visit to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Has Been the Reaction?
Although he stated his sister had been “vindicated” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed the Times that the prince's style ought to be removed for “true justice” to be achieved.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has also said the move is “too little, too late”, noting: “Andrew remains accused of sexual offences and abuse of office. He should be divested of all titles and his military position and should undergo a criminal investigation. Not using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
