Why the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Official Titles – and What It Means for the Monarchy
In a statement released via the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed he is relinquishing his royal titles, including his dukedom. Below is an overview of what has been revealed – and what wasn't.
What Has Andrew Said?
After previously stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has currently decided to “take additional measures” and agree not to use the “title or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he used the statement to emphatically denying – as he has always done – the allegations of misconduct made against him; even though after settling a substantial sum to resolve the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has been persistent pressure on the monarchy regarding the allegations involving the prince – particularly after his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to safeguard 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 multiple ways: first, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in support of the monarchy. As stated in his statement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my family and country first.”
Second, while he has agreed not to use it, the prince keeps his ducal title, as well as the titles the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed Garter role as a member of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the royal style honorific, they are effectively dormant.
He continues to be royalty 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 abroad or ill. However the palace has made clear that, in practice, he would not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement said this choice was made “in discussion with the king”. There seems highly likely that, behind the scenes, the palace advocated for the move in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would require legislative action, and would constitute such a historic move publicly before 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. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically as the child of the sovereign. This would only be altered if a letters patent was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The whole process might ultimately being drawn-out, implying the objective of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be achieved.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The statement signifies an effective loss of standing he has fought against for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding reported efforts by the king to encourage Andrew to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been shed on exactly how much funds the prince has obtained due to his position, he continues to be a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he was able to secure £15m by selling a property that had been a gift from the queen, for example.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless list of scandals involving Andrew has become intolerable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His association with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny following revelations Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in an email sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were stories about his connections with an alleged intelligence operative and, recently, excerpts were published 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”.
Furthermore, the king is due to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff next week, when he will become the first English monarch since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that visit to be marred by more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Has Been the Response?
While he said his sister had been “vindicated” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that the prince's style ought to be removed for “true justice” to be achieved.
The republican campaign group Republic has additionally stated the action is “too little, too late”, adding: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He ought to be divested of every honor and his military position and should undergo a legal probe. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
