Why the Duke of York is Giving Up His Royal Honors – and What It Means for the Monarchy
Through a statement released by Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has confirmed that he will be giving up his official honors, such as his dukedom. Here is an overview of what was announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Did the Prince Said?
After previously stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has currently chosen to “go a step further” and agree to refrain from using the “title or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he used the statement to make a point of denying – as he has always done – the accusations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; albeit after settling a substantial sum to resolve the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has been ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution regarding the allegations against Andrew – particularly after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to protect the royal family from additional harm resulting from public speculation.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And although this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in multiple ways: initially, it enables the prince to openly state to have behaved with integrity in defence of the crown. As he said in his announcement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and country first.”
Additionally, although he consented to abstain from using it, the prince keeps the dukedom, along with the titles his earldom and his barony and the prestigious position as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Similar to the His Royal Highness honorific, they are effectively dormant.
He remains royalty and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he is also still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the king should he be overseas or unwell. Although royal officials has made clear that, realistically, he would not be asked to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement indicated this choice was made “following talks with the king”. There seems little doubt that, behind the scenes, the palace advocated for this in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would require an act of parliament, and would constitute an unprecedented step publicly before the nation – it has not occurred to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it could cause more harm to the image for the royals.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically such as the child of the sovereign. This would only be altered if a letters patent was issued by the king.
The entire procedure could end up being protracted, meaning the objective of swiftly resolving the issue – particularly for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The announcement signifies an effective loss of status he has resisted for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by the king to persuade his brother to move out of the thirty-room royal residence in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been shed on exactly how much money Andrew has received as a result of his position, he continues to be a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he managed to secure £15m from the sale of a home that had been a gift from his mother, for example.
What Prompted This?
The continual list of scandals involving Andrew has become unacceptable for the king and other senior royals.
His association with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in a message sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
There have also been reports about his connections with an alleged intelligence operative and, recently, excerpts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged the prince “believed that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is due to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo next week, during which he will be the initial British king after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that visit to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Was the Response?
While he said Giuffre had been “justified” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has additionally stated the action is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He should be divested of every honor and his military position and should undergo a criminal investigation. Not using archaic honors is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”