Why the Duke of York is Giving Up His Official Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy
Through a statement released by the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed he is relinquishing his royal titles, including his dukedom. Here is an overview of what has been announced – and what wasn't.
What Did Andrew Said?
After previously withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has currently chosen to “take additional measures” and agree to refrain from using the “title or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he used the statement to make a point of denying – as he has always done – the allegations of misconduct made against him; albeit after settling millions to settle the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy over the allegations involving the prince – especially since his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to protect his relatives from additional harm resulting from media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Titles?
No. And, while this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it holds importance in multiple ways: first, it allows Andrew 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 prioritize my obligations to my family and the nation first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed not to use it, Andrew retains his ducal title, as well as the titles the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the prestigious position as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH His Royal Highness honorific, they essentially become inactive.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he is also still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the sovereign should he be abroad or unwell. However royal officials has made clear that, realistically, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement said the decision was made “in discussion with the king”. There seems highly likely that, behind the scenes, the royal household advocated for this in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would take legislative action, and would constitute such a historic move in full view of the nation – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it would likely cause more reputational damage for the monarchy.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically such as the son of a monarch. This could only be altered if a letters patent was enacted by the king.
The whole process might ultimately being drawn-out, implying the goal of quickly addressing the issue – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be met.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The statement represents an substantial reduction of standing he has fought against for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding reported efforts by the king to persuade Andrew to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
While little light has been revealed about the precise amount of money the prince has obtained due to his position, he continues to be a wealthy individual. In 2007, he managed to raise £15m from the sale of a property that had been a wedding present from the queen, for example.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless series of controversies related to the prince has proved unacceptable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His association with the convicted 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 ended communication.
There have also been reports about his connections with a suspected Chinese spy and, recently, extracts 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”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff next week, when he will become the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that trip to be marred by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Has Been the Response?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “justified” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The republican campaign group Republic has also said the action is “too little, too late”, noting: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He should be stripped of all titles and his military position and should undergo a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”