The Reasons the Duke of York Has Surrendered His Royal Titles – and the Implications for the Royal Family
In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has declared that he will be giving up his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Here are the details of what has been revealed – and what wasn't.
What Has the Prince Said?
After previously withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has currently chosen to “take additional measures” and agree not to use the “title or the awards which have been granted to” him.
However, he used the statement to make a point of rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; even though having paid out a substantial sum to settle the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied all allegations of improper conduct.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy over the allegations against Andrew – especially since his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to protect his relatives from additional harm caused by media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And although this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it holds importance in multiple ways: first, it enables the prince to openly state to have behaved with integrity in support of the monarchy. As stated in his statement: “I have decided, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and the nation first.”
Second, although he consented to abstain from using it, the prince keeps the dukedom, along with the titles his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed position as a member of the prestigious order. Like the HRH royal style title, they essentially become inactive.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign should he be overseas or ill. Although the palace 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 this choice was made “in discussion with the monarch”. There seems highly likely that, behind the scenes, the palace advocated for the move in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a ducal title would require an act of parliament, and would constitute an unprecedented step publicly before the public – 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 a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he became such as the son of a monarch. This would only be changed if a letters patent was issued by the reigning monarch.
The whole process could end up being protracted, implying the objective of swiftly resolving the matter – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be achieved.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The announcement signifies an effective loss of standing he has fought against for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by the king to persuade his brother to move out of the thirty-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been shed on exactly how much money Andrew has received as a result of his status, he continues to be a person of means. Back in 2007, he was able to secure £15m by selling a home that had been a wedding present from the queen, for example.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless series of controversies involving Andrew has become intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny following revelations that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in an email sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were stories about his association with an alleged Chinese spy and, recently, excerpts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged Andrew “thought that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is due to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo next week, when he will become the initial British king after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that trip to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Was the Response?
While he said Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told a newspaper 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”, adding: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual offences and misuse of position. He should be stripped of all titles and his military position and should undergo a criminal investigation. Not using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
