The Reasons the Duke of York Has Surrendered His Official Titles – and the Implications for the Royal Family
Through a announcement released via Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has declared that he will be relinquishing his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Here are the details of what has been revealed – and what wasn't.
What Has the Prince Announced?
After previously withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “take additional measures” and agree to refrain from using the “title or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also employed the announcement to emphatically rejecting – 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 filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied any claims of wrongdoing.
There has existed persistent pressure toward the royal institution regarding the claims involving the prince – particularly after his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to protect his relatives from further damage resulting from media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Titles?
No. And, while this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it is significant in multiple ways: first, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in defence of the monarchy. As stated in his announcement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to put my duty to my relatives and country first.”
Additionally, although he consented to abstain from using it, the prince keeps his ducal title, as well as the honors his earldom and his barony and the prestigious position as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Like the HRH royal style title, they essentially become inactive.
He remains a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the king should he be overseas or ill. Although royal officials has indicated that, in practice, he would not be asked to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement indicated the decision was made “following talks with the king”. It appears highly likely that, privately, the palace pushed for this 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 take an act of parliament, and would represent such a historic move in full view of the nation – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it could cause more reputational damage for the royals.
The prince remains still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he became as the son of a monarch. This would only be changed if a letters patent was issued by the reigning monarch.
The whole process might ultimately being drawn-out, meaning the objective of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be met.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The statement signifies an effective loss of status he has resisted for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding reported efforts by the king to encourage his brother to move out of the thirty-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been revealed about the precise amount of money Andrew has received as a result of his position, he continues to be a person of means. Back in 2007, he managed to raise £15m from the sale of a property that had been a gift from the queen, for example.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless list of scandals related to the prince has become unacceptable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His friendship with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines following revelations that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in an email dispatched months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
There have also been stories about his association with an alleged Chinese spy and, this week, extracts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged Andrew “believed that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the king is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo next week, when he will become the first English monarch since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that visit to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Has Been the Reaction?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts informed the Times that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the action is “too little, too late”, noting: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He ought to be stripped of every honor and his navy rank and should undergo a legal probe. Not using archaic honors is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”
