The Reasons the Duke of York is Giving Up His Royal Honors – and What It Means for the Monarchy
Through a announcement released via Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has declared he is giving up his official honors, such as his dukedom. Here is an overview of what has been revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Did Andrew Said?
Having already withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “take additional measures” and agree not to use the “honor or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he used the statement to make a point of denying – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of misconduct made against him; albeit having paid out a substantial sum to resolve the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied any claims of wrongdoing.
There has existed persistent pressure toward the royal institution over the allegations against Andrew – particularly after his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to protect his relatives from additional harm caused by media scrutiny.
Has the King Removed Him of His Titles?
No. And, while this might be viewed as a mere formality, it is significant in two respects: first, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have acted honourably in support of the crown. As stated in his announcement: “I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and the nation first.”
Second, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, the prince keeps the dukedom, as well as the honors his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed Garter role as a member of the prestigious order. Like the HRH His Royal Highness honorific, they essentially become dormant.
He remains royalty and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he remains still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the sovereign should he be overseas or ill. However royal officials has made clear that, in practice, he would 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 monarch”. It appears highly likely that, privately, the palace pushed for the move in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a dukedom would take legislative action, and would constitute such a historic move in full view of the nation – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it would likely result in further reputational damage for the royals.
The prince remains a royal by birth. When he was born 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 might ultimately being protracted, meaning the goal of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Humiliation, likely above all. The statement signifies an effective loss of status he has resisted for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, despite reported efforts by his brother to persuade Andrew to move out of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been revealed about exactly how much funds Andrew has received due to his position, he remains a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he managed to raise £15m from the sale of a property that had been a wedding present from his mother, for example.
What Prompted This?
The continual list of scandals related to the prince has become unacceptable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in a message sent three months after he claimed to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were stories about his connections with an alleged intelligence operative and, recently, extracts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed Andrew “thought that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is due to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo soon, when he will become the first English monarch since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that trip to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Has Been the Reaction?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts has told the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the move is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual misconduct 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 penalty that fits the offences.”
