Why the Duke of York Has Surrendered His Official Titles – and What It Means for the Royal Family
Through a announcement released by Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has declared he is relinquishing his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Here is an overview of what has been revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Has Andrew Announced?
After previously withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has currently chosen to “take additional measures” and consent to refrain from using the “honor or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he used the statement to make a point of denying – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of misconduct made against him; even though having paid out a substantial sum to settle the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied all allegations of improper conduct.
There has been ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy over the claims involving the prince – especially since his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to protect his relatives from further damage resulting from media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And, while this might be viewed as a mere formality, it holds importance in two respects: initially, it enables the prince to openly state to have acted honourably in support of the monarchy. As he said in his announcement: “I have decided, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my family and country first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed not to use it, the prince keeps his ducal title, along with the honors his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed position as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH royal style honorific, they essentially become inactive.
He remains royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the sovereign should he be overseas or unwell. However royal officials has indicated that, realistically, he would not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement indicated this choice was made “following talks with the monarch”. There seems little doubt that, privately, the palace pushed for the move in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a dukedom would take legislative action, and would represent an unprecedented step publicly before the nation – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it could cause more reputational damage for the monarchy.
The prince remains still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically such as the child of the sovereign. This would only be altered if a royal decree was issued by the reigning monarch.
The whole process might ultimately being drawn-out, implying the goal of quickly addressing the issue – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The statement signifies an substantial reduction of status he has fought against for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, despite reported efforts by his brother to persuade his brother 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 Andrew has received due to his position, he continues to be a wealthy individual. In 2007, he managed to secure £15m by selling a property that had been a wedding present from his mother, for example.
Why Now?
The continual series of controversies related to the prince has proved unacceptable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny following revelations Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in a message sent three months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
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 “thought that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is due to make a historic visit to see the pontiff next week, during which he will be the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly 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 Andrew.
What Has Been the Response?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts informed the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the action is “too little, too late”, adding: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual offences and misuse of position. He should be stripped of all titles and his military position and should face a legal probe. Not using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
