The Reasons the Duke of York is Giving Up His Official Titles – and What It Means for the Royal Family
Through a announcement issued via the royal household, Prince Andrew has confirmed that he will be giving up his royal titles, such as the Duke of York. Here is an overview of what was announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Has the Prince Said?
Having already stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has currently chosen to “go a step further” and agree not to use the “honor or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also employed the announcement to make a point of denying – as he has always done – the accusations of misconduct leveled at him; albeit having paid out millions to resolve the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has existed 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 that his actions are to safeguard the royal family from further damage resulting from media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And, while this might be viewed as a mere formality, it is significant in multiple ways: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in defence of the monarchy. As he said in his announcement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to put my duty to my relatives and the nation first.”
Additionally, although he consented to abstain from using it, Andrew retains the dukedom, along with the honors the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed position as a member of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH His Royal Highness honorific, they are effectively inactive.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he is also still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the sovereign should he be abroad or unwell. Although the palace has indicated that, in practice, he would not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement said the decision was made “in discussion with the king”. There seems highly likely that, privately, the royal household 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 take legislative action, and would represent an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it would likely cause more reputational damage for the monarchy.
The prince remains a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he became as the child of the sovereign. This would only be changed if a royal decree was issued by the reigning monarch.
The whole process could end up being protracted, implying the objective of swiftly resolving the matter – at least for the monarchy's interests – may not be achieved.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an substantial reduction of standing he has fought against for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, despite reported efforts by his brother to persuade his brother to move out of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been shed on the precise amount of funds the prince has obtained as a result of his status, he continues to be a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he managed to secure £15m from the sale of a home that had been a wedding present from the queen, for example.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless series of controversies involving Andrew has become intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny after it emerged Andrew had told 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, this week, extracts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed the prince “believed that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the king is due to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo next week, during which he will be the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that visit to be marred by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Has Been the Reaction?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts has told the Times that the prince's style ought to be removed for “true justice” to be done.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has also said the move is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He should be stripped of all titles and his military position and should undergo a criminal investigation. Not using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
