Why the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Official Titles – and the Implications for the Monarchy
Through a announcement released via the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed that he will be relinquishing his royal titles, including his dukedom. Below is an overview of what has been revealed – and what wasn't.
What Did the Prince Announced?
Having already stepped down as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now chosen to “go a step further” and consent not to use the “title or the honours which have been granted to” him.
However, he employed the announcement to make a point of denying – as he has always done – the allegations of misconduct made against him; even though after settling a substantial sum to settle the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied any claims of wrongdoing.
There has been persistent pressure on the monarchy regarding the allegations against Andrew – particularly after his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to protect the royal family from additional harm resulting from media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Titles?
No. And although this might be viewed as a mere formality, it is significant in two respects: first, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in support of the crown. As he said in his announcement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my family and country first.”
Additionally, 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 prestigious Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the royal style honorific, they are effectively inactive.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he remains still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the king if he is overseas or unwell. However royal officials has made clear that, in practice, he will not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement said the decision was made “in discussion with the king”. It appears little doubt that, privately, the palace advocated for this in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would require an act of parliament, and would represent an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not occurred to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely cause more reputational damage for the royals.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he became such as the son of a monarch. This could only be changed if a royal decree was issued by the king.
The entire procedure might ultimately being drawn-out, meaning the objective of swiftly resolving the matter – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The statement signifies an effective loss of standing he has fought against for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, despite rumoured attempts by the king to encourage his brother to relocate of the 30-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been shed on the precise amount of money Andrew has received due to his status, he remains a wealthy individual. In 2007, he was able to raise £15m from the sale of a property that had been a wedding present from the queen, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless series of controversies involving Andrew has proved unacceptable for the king and other senior royals.
His friendship with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines after it emerged Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in an email dispatched months after he claimed to have ended communication.
There have also been stories about his association with an alleged intelligence operative and, this week, extracts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged Andrew “believed that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the king is due to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff soon, when he will become the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that trip to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Was the Reaction?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that the prince's style ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be done.
The republican campaign group Republic has also said the action is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual offences and abuse of office. He should be divested of all titles and his military position and should face a legal probe. Not using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”
