Why the Duke of York is Giving Up His Royal Honors – and What It Means for the Monarchy
Through a announcement issued via the royal household, Prince Andrew has confirmed that he will be giving up his official honors, including the Duke of York. Here are the details of what has been announced – and what wasn't.
What Has the Prince Said?
Having already withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has currently decided to “take additional measures” and consent to refrain from using the “honor or the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 sexual impropriety made against him; even though after settling a substantial sum to resolve the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied all allegations of improper conduct.
There has been ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution over the claims involving the prince – especially since his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to protect his relatives from additional harm caused by public speculation.
Has the King Removed Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And, while this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it holds importance in multiple ways: first, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in support of the monarchy. As stated in his statement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my family and country first.”
Additionally, although he consented not to use it, Andrew retains his ducal title, along with the titles his earldom and his barony and the prestigious position as a member of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the royal style title, they are effectively inactive.
He remains a prince and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the king should he be abroad or unwell. Although royal officials has made clear that, in practice, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement indicated the decision was made “in discussion with the king”. There seems highly likely that, privately, the royal household advocated for the move 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 require legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step publicly before the nation – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely cause more reputational damage for the royals.
The prince remains still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically as the son of a monarch. This would only be altered if a royal decree was enacted by the king.
The whole process could end up being drawn-out, meaning the objective of quickly addressing the matter – particularly for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an effective loss of standing he has fought against for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, despite rumoured attempts by his brother to persuade his brother to move out of the thirty-room royal residence in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been shed on the precise amount of money the prince has obtained as a result of his position, he continues to be a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he managed to secure £15m from the sale of a home that had been a wedding present from his mother, as an instance.
Why Now?
The continual series of controversies related to the prince has proved intolerable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His association with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny following revelations Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in a message sent three months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were stories about his association with an alleged Chinese spy and, recently, excerpts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged Andrew “believed that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is due to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo soon, when he will become the initial British king since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that trip to be marred by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Has Been the Response?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts has told the Times that the prince's style should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be done.
The republican campaign group Republic has also said the action is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He should be stripped of every honor and his military position and should face a criminal investigation. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
