The Reasons the Duke of York is Giving Up His Royal Titles – and What It Means for the Monarchy
Through a statement released via Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has confirmed that he will be relinquishing his official honors, such as his dukedom. Below is an overview of what has been announced – and what wasn't.
What Has the Prince Said?
After previously stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has now decided to “take additional measures” and consent 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 rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; albeit having paid out a substantial sum to settle the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied any claims of wrongdoing.
There has been ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution over the claims against Andrew – especially since his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to safeguard the royal family from additional harm resulting from media scrutiny.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And, while this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it is significant in two respects: initially, it enables the prince to openly state to have acted honourably in support of the crown. As he said in his announcement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my family and country first.”
Second, although he consented to abstain from using it, Andrew retains the dukedom, along with the titles the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious position as a member of the prestigious order. Like the HRH royal style title, they are effectively inactive.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he remains still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the king should he be overseas or unwell. Although the palace has indicated that, realistically, he would not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement said this choice was made “following talks with the king”. There seems highly likely that, behind the scenes, the palace 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 take legislative action, and would constitute such a historic move in full view of the public – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it would likely cause more reputational damage for the royals.
The prince remains still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically as the son of a monarch. This would only be altered if a letters patent was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The whole process could end up being protracted, implying the objective of quickly addressing the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be met.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Humiliation, likely above all. The statement signifies an substantial reduction of status he has resisted for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, despite rumoured attempts by the king to persuade his brother to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
While little light has been shed on the precise amount of funds the prince has obtained due to his position, he remains a person of means. In 2007, he was able to raise £15m by selling a property that had been a gift from the queen, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless list of scandals related to the prince has proved intolerable for the king and other senior royals.
His friendship with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in a message dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
There have also been 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 the prince “believed that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Moreover, the king is due to make a historic visit to see the pontiff next week, when he will become the first English monarch since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that trip to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Was the Response?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “true justice” to be done.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the move is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “Andrew remains accused of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He ought to be stripped of all titles and his military position and should face a legal probe. Not using archaic honors is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”
