Why the Duke of York Has Surrendered His Official Honors – and What It Means for the Royal Family
In a statement released by the royal household, the king's brother has declared that he will be giving up his official honors, such as his dukedom. Here is an overview of what was revealed – and what wasn't.
What Did Andrew Announced?
After previously withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has currently decided to “go a step further” and consent to refrain from using the “title or the awards which have been granted to” him.
But he also employed the announcement to emphatically denying – as he has always done – the allegations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; even though after settling millions to settle the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of improper conduct.
There has existed persistent pressure toward the royal institution regarding the allegations against Andrew – particularly after his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to protect the royal family from additional harm resulting from public speculation.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Honors?
No. And although this might be viewed as a mere formality, it is significant in two respects: first, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in defence of the crown. As he said in his statement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first.”
Second, while he has agreed not to use it, Andrew retains his ducal title, along with the honors his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the royal style honorific, they essentially become dormant.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he is also still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the sovereign should he be abroad or unwell. However the palace has made clear that, in practice, he would not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement said the decision was made “following talks with the king”. There seems highly likely that, privately, the royal household pushed for this in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a dukedom would require legislative action, and would represent such a historic move publicly before the public – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it would likely cause more harm to the image for the royals.
The prince remains a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically as the son of a monarch. This would only be altered if a royal decree was issued by the reigning monarch.
The whole process could end up being protracted, implying the objective of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an effective loss of standing he has resisted for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, despite reported efforts by the king to encourage Andrew to relocate of the 30-room royal residence in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been revealed about the precise amount of money the prince has obtained due to his position, he continues to be a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he managed to secure £15m by selling a property that had been a wedding present from his mother, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The continual series of controversies involving Andrew has become intolerable for the king and other senior royals.
His association with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in a message dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
There have also been stories about his association with an alleged intelligence operative and, this week, extracts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed the prince “thought that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff soon, when he will become the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that trip to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Was the Reaction?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “justified” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts has told the Times that the prince's style should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist 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 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.”