Why the Duke of York is Giving Up His Royal Titles – and What It Means for the Royal Family
In a statement issued via the royal household, the king's brother has declared that he will be giving up his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Below is an overview of what has been revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Did Andrew Announced?
Having already stepped down as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now decided to “go a step further” and consent not to use the “honor or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he used the statement to emphatically denying – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; albeit after settling a substantial sum to settle the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied any claims of wrongdoing.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution over the claims against Andrew – particularly after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to safeguard the royal family from further damage caused by media scrutiny.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Titles?
No. And, while this might be viewed as a mere formality, it is significant in multiple ways: initially, it allows Andrew to openly state to have behaved with integrity in defence of the monarchy. As stated in his statement: “I have decided, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and country first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, the prince keeps his ducal title, as well as the titles his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious position as a member of the prestigious order. Similar to the royal style title, they essentially become dormant.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the king if he is overseas or unwell. Although royal officials has made clear that, in practice, he would not be asked to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement indicated this choice was made “following talks with the monarch”. There seems highly likely that, privately, the palace advocated for this in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would take an act of parliament, and would constitute such a historic move in full view of the nation – it has not happened to a senior royal in over a century – that it would likely result in further reputational damage for the monarchy.
Andrew is also still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically such as the child of the sovereign. This would only be changed if a royal decree was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The whole process could end up being protracted, implying the goal of quickly addressing the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be met.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The statement represents an effective loss of standing he has fought against for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, despite rumoured attempts by his brother to encourage Andrew to relocate of the thirty-room royal residence in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been shed on exactly how much money Andrew has received as a result of his position, he continues to be a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he was able to secure £15m by selling a property that had been a gift from the queen, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless series of controversies related to the prince has proved intolerable for the king and other senior royals.
His friendship with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny following revelations that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in a message dispatched months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
There have also been reports about his connections with an alleged intelligence operative and, recently, excerpts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged the prince “believed that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the king is due to make a historic visit 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 head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that trip to be marred by more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Was the Reaction?
Although he stated his sister had been “vindicated” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the action is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “Andrew remains accused of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He should be divested of all titles and his navy rank and should face a legal probe. Not using archaic honors is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
