The Reasons the Duke of York is Giving Up His Official Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy
In a statement issued via Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has confirmed he is giving up his official honors, such as his dukedom. Below are the details of what has been announced – and what wasn't.
What Has Andrew Announced?
After previously stepped down as a working royal in 2019, the prince has currently chosen to “go a step further” and consent not to use the “title or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he used the statement to make a point of rejecting – as he has always done – the allegations of misconduct leveled at him; even though after settling a substantial sum to resolve the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied any claims of wrongdoing.
There has been persistent pressure toward the royal institution over 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 further damage caused by media scrutiny.
Has the King Removed Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And, while this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it is significant in multiple ways: initially, it enables the prince to openly state to have behaved with integrity in defence of the monarchy. As stated in his statement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my family and the nation first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed not to use it, the prince keeps the dukedom, as well as the titles the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed Garter role as a member of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the royal style title, they essentially become inactive.
He remains a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he is also still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the sovereign if he is abroad or unwell. However the palace has indicated that, in practice, he would not be asked to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement indicated this choice was made “in discussion with the monarch”. It appears highly likely that, behind the scenes, the palace pushed for the move in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would take legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it could cause more harm to the image for the monarchy.
The prince remains still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he became such as the child of the sovereign. This would only be changed if a letters patent was issued by the king.
The entire procedure could end up being protracted, meaning the objective of quickly addressing the matter – particularly for the monarchy's interests – may not be achieved.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The statement represents an effective loss of standing he has fought against for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, despite reported efforts by his brother to persuade Andrew to relocate of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been revealed about the precise amount of funds Andrew has received as a result of 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 gift from the queen, as an instance.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless list of scandals related to the prince has become intolerable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His association with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines following revelations Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in an email dispatched months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
There have also been reports about his connections with an alleged Chinese spy and, recently, excerpts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged the prince “thought that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is due to make a historic visit to see the pontiff soon, during which he will be the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that trip to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Has Been the Response?
While he said Giuffre had been “justified” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “true justice” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has also said the move is “too little, too late”, adding: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He ought to be divested of every honor and his navy rank and should face a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”
