The Reasons the Duke of York Has Surrendered His Royal Honors – and the Implications for the Royal Family
Through a statement issued via the royal household, Prince Andrew has declared he is giving up his official honors, including the Duke of York. Below is an overview of what has been revealed – and what wasn't.
What Did the Prince Said?
After previously withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has currently decided to “take additional measures” and consent to refrain from using the “title or the awards which have been granted to” him.
But he also used the statement to emphatically denying – as he has always done – the accusations of misconduct made against him; even though having paid out millions to settle the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has existed persistent pressure toward the royal institution regarding the allegations against Andrew – especially since his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to safeguard the royal family from further damage resulting from media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And, while this might be viewed as a mere formality, it holds importance in multiple ways: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in support of the monarchy. As stated in his statement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my family and country first.”
Second, although he consented to abstain from using it, Andrew retains the dukedom, as well as the titles his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious Garter role as a member of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH royal style honorific, they essentially become inactive.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the sovereign if he is abroad or unwell. Although royal officials has made clear that, in practice, he would not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement indicated the decision was made “following talks with the king”. It appears little doubt that, behind the scenes, the royal household advocated 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 require an act of parliament, and would constitute an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it could result in further harm to the image for the royals.
The prince remains still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he became 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, meaning the goal of quickly addressing the issue – particularly for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be met.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The statement represents an effective loss of status 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 his brother to persuade Andrew to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been shed on exactly how much funds Andrew has received due to his position, he continues to be a wealthy individual. In 2007, he was able to raise £15m from the sale of a home that had been a wedding present from the queen, as an instance.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless list of scandals related to the prince has proved intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines after it emerged Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in a message sent three months after he claimed to have ended communication.
There have also been stories about his connections with a suspected intelligence operative and, recently, extracts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged Andrew “believed that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the sovereign is due to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff soon, during which he will be the initial British king since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that visit to be marred by more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Was the Response?
While he said Giuffre had been “justified” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed the Times that the prince's style ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be done.
The republican campaign group Republic has also said the move is “too little, too late”, noting: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He should be stripped of every honor and his military position and should face a criminal investigation. Not using archaic honors is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
