Why the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Royal Honors – and the Implications for the Royal Family
In a statement issued via the royal household, the king's brother has declared that he will be giving up his official honors, including the Duke of York. Below is an overview of what was announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Has the Prince Announced?
After previously withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has currently chosen to “go a step further” and consent not to use the “honor or the awards which have been granted to” him.
However, he employed the announcement to make a point of denying – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; even though having paid out millions to resolve the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has existed persistent pressure on the monarchy over the allegations against Andrew – particularly after his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to safeguard his relatives from further damage resulting from media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And, while this might be viewed as a mere formality, it holds importance in multiple ways: first, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have acted honourably in defence of the monarchy. As stated in his announcement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first.”
Second, while he has agreed not to use it, the prince keeps the dukedom, as well as the titles his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious position as a member of the prestigious order. Similar to the royal style title, they are effectively dormant.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the sovereign should he be abroad or unwell. Although the palace has indicated that, in practice, he would not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement said the decision was made “in discussion with the king”. It appears little doubt that, privately, the palace advocated for this in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a dukedom would take legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step publicly before the nation – it has not happened to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely result in further harm to the image for the monarchy.
Andrew is also still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically such as the son of a monarch. This could only be altered if a letters patent was issued by the king.
The entire procedure might ultimately being protracted, implying the objective of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be achieved.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement signifies an substantial reduction of standing he has fought against for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, despite reported efforts by the king to encourage his brother to move out of the 30-room royal residence in the Windsor estate.
While little light has been revealed about exactly how much funds Andrew has received as a result of his status, he continues to be a person of means. In 2007, he managed to secure £15m from the sale of a home that had been a gift from his mother, for example.
Why Now?
The continual list of scandals related to the prince has proved unacceptable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines following revelations that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in a message dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
There have also been reports about his association with a suspected Chinese spy and, recently, excerpts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged the prince “thought that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is scheduled to make a historic visit to see the pontiff soon, during which he will be the first English monarch since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that trip to be marred by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Was the Reaction?
While he said his sister 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 done.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the action is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual offences and misuse of position. He should be stripped of all titles and his navy rank and should face a criminal investigation. Not using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”
