Why the Duke of York is Giving Up His Official Titles – and the Implications for the Monarchy
In a statement released by the royal household, the king's brother has declared that he will be relinquishing his royal titles, including the Duke of York. Here is an overview of what was revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Did the Prince Announced?
After previously withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has now decided to “take additional measures” and consent not to use the “title or the honours which have been granted to” him.
But he also employed the announcement to emphatically rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of misconduct leveled at him; even though after settling millions to settle the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected all allegations of improper conduct.
There has been persistent pressure on the monarchy regarding the allegations against Andrew – particularly after his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to protect the royal family from additional harm resulting from public speculation.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Titles?
No. And, while this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it is significant in multiple ways: first, it enables the prince to openly state to have behaved with integrity in defence of the crown. As stated in his announcement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my family and country first.”
Additionally, although he consented not to use it, Andrew retains his ducal title, as well as the titles the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the prestigious position as a member of the prestigious order. Like the HRH His Royal Highness honorific, they are effectively dormant.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the sovereign should he be overseas or ill. Although royal officials has made clear that, realistically, he would not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement said the decision was made “following talks with the king”. There seems highly likely that, behind the scenes, the royal household pushed for the move in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a dukedom would require legislative action, and would represent an unprecedented step in full view of the public – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it would likely result in further reputational damage for the monarchy.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically as the child of the sovereign. This could only be altered if a royal decree was issued by the reigning monarch.
The whole process could end up being protracted, meaning the objective of quickly addressing the matter – at least for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The statement represents an effective loss of status he has fought against for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, despite reported efforts by his brother to encourage Andrew to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been shed on the precise amount of money the prince has obtained due to his position, he continues to be a person of means. In 2007, he managed to raise £15m by selling a property that had been a gift from his mother, as an instance.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless series of controversies related to the prince has become unacceptable for the king and other senior royals.
His friendship with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines following revelations that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in an email sent three months after he claimed to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were reports about his association with a suspected intelligence operative and, recently, excerpts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed Andrew “believed that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the king is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff next week, when he will become the initial British king since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that visit to be marred by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Was the Response?
While he said his sister had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that the prince's style ought to be removed for “true justice” to be achieved.
The republican campaign group Republic has additionally stated the move is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual offences and abuse of office. He ought to be divested of every honor and his military position and should face a legal probe. Not using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
