The Reasons the Duke of York is Giving Up His Royal Titles – and the Implications for the Royal Family
Through a statement issued by Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has declared that he will be giving up his royal titles, including the Duke of York. Here are the details of what was announced – and what wasn't.
What Did the Prince Announced?
After previously stepped down as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “take additional measures” and consent not to use the “honor or the honours which have been granted to” him.
But he also employed the announcement to emphatically denying – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of sexual impropriety made against him; even though having paid out millions to resolve the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected any claims of improper conduct.
There has been persistent pressure on the monarchy over the allegations against Andrew – particularly after his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to safeguard the royal family from additional harm resulting from public speculation.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Titles?
No. And although this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it is significant in multiple ways: initially, it enables the prince to openly state to have acted honourably in defence of the crown. As he said in his statement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my family and country first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, the prince keeps the dukedom, as well as the honors the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed Garter role as a member of the prestigious order. Like the HRH His Royal Highness title, they essentially become inactive.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the sovereign if he is abroad or unwell. However the palace has made clear that, realistically, he will not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement said the decision was made “following talks with the king”. It appears highly likely that, privately, the royal household pushed for this in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would take legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step publicly before the public – it has not occurred to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely result in further reputational damage for the monarchy.
Andrew is also still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he became as the child of the sovereign. This could only be altered if a royal decree was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The whole process might ultimately being protracted, implying the objective of quickly addressing the matter – at least for the monarchy's interests – may not be met.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The statement signifies an effective loss of status he has fought against for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, despite rumoured attempts by his brother to encourage his brother to relocate of the thirty-room royal residence in the Windsor estate.
While little light has been revealed about exactly how much funds the prince has obtained due to his position, he remains a person of means. Back in 2007, he was able to secure £15m by selling a property that had been a wedding present from his mother, for example.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless series of controversies related to the prince has proved intolerable for the monarch and other senior royals.
His friendship with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in a message dispatched months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were stories about his association with an alleged intelligence operative and, recently, excerpts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed the prince “thought that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Moreover, the king is due to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff soon, when he will become the initial British king since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that trip to be marred by more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Has Been the Response?
Although he stated his sister had been “justified” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts has told the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “true justice” to be done.
The republican campaign group Republic has also said the action is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He should be stripped of every honor and his navy rank and should face a legal probe. Not using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
