The Reasons the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Royal Titles – and What It Means for the Royal Family
In a announcement issued via Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has confirmed that he will be relinquishing his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Here is an overview of what has been announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Has Andrew Said?
After previously stepped down as a working royal in 2019, the prince has currently decided to “take additional measures” and agree not to use the “honor or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also used the statement to make a point of denying – as he has always done – the accusations of misconduct made against him; albeit after settling a substantial sum to settle the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied any claims of improper conduct.
There has been ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution over the claims against Andrew – particularly after his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to protect his relatives from additional harm caused by public speculation.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Titles?
No. And, while this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it holds importance in two respects: first, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have acted honourably in support of the crown. As stated in his announcement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and the nation first.”
Additionally, although he consented to abstain from using it, the prince keeps the dukedom, as well as the titles his earldom and his barony and the prestigious position as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH royal style title, they are effectively dormant.
He remains a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the king if he is abroad or unwell. However royal officials has made clear that, realistically, he will not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement said the decision was made “following talks with the monarch”. There seems highly likely that, behind the scenes, the royal household advocated for the move in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a ducal title would require an act of parliament, and would constitute an unprecedented step publicly before the nation – it has not occurred to a high-ranking 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 was automatically such as the son of a monarch. This would only be changed if a letters patent was issued by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure might ultimately being protracted, meaning the goal of quickly addressing the matter – particularly for the monarchy's interests – may not be achieved.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Humiliation, likely above all. The announcement signifies an substantial reduction of status he has resisted for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, despite reported efforts by his brother to encourage his brother to move out of the thirty-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been shed on the precise amount of money the prince has obtained due to his status, he remains a wealthy individual. In 2007, he was able to secure £15m by selling a home that had been a wedding present from his mother, for example.
What Prompted This?
The continual series of controversies related to the prince has proved intolerable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His association with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny following revelations Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in a message dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were reports about his connections with an alleged intelligence operative and, this week, extracts 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 undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo soon, during which he will be the initial British king since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that trip to be marred by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Was the Reaction?
Although he stated his sister had been “justified” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be done.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has additionally stated the action is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual offences and misuse of position. He should be stripped of every honor and his navy rank and should face a criminal investigation. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
