Why the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Official Honors – and the Implications for the Royal Family
In a statement released via the royal household, Prince Andrew has confirmed he is giving up his official honors, such as the Duke of York. Below are the details of what has been revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Did Andrew Announced?
After previously withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has now decided to “take additional measures” and agree to refrain from using the “honor or the honours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 accusations of misconduct leveled at him; even though after settling a substantial sum to resolve the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied any claims of wrongdoing.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution over the claims involving the prince – particularly after his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to safeguard his relatives from further damage caused by public speculation.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And, while this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it holds importance in multiple ways: first, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in support of the crown. As he said in his announcement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my family and country first.”
Second, while he has agreed not to use it, the prince keeps his ducal title, along with the honors the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the esteemed Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Similar to the His Royal Highness honorific, they are effectively dormant.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he is also still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign if he is abroad or ill. However the palace has indicated that, in practice, he will not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement said the decision was made “following talks with the king”. There seems highly likely that, privately, the royal household pushed for the move in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a dukedom would take an act of parliament, 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 could result in further reputational damage for the monarchy.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he became such as the child of the sovereign. This could only be changed if a letters patent was enacted by the king.
The entire procedure could end up being drawn-out, implying the goal of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the monarchy's interests – may not be met.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an effective loss of standing he has fought against for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, despite rumoured attempts by the king to persuade Andrew to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been revealed about exactly how much money the prince has obtained due to his position, he remains a person of means. Back in 2007, he was able to raise £15m from the sale of a property that had been a gift from his mother, for example.
What Prompted This?
The continual list of scandals related to the prince has proved intolerable for the king and other senior royals.
His association with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny after it emerged Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in a message dispatched months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
There have also been reports about his connections with an alleged Chinese spy and, this week, excerpts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged Andrew “thought that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Moreover, the sovereign is due to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff soon, when he will become the initial British king after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly 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 Was the Reaction?
While he said his sister had been “vindicated” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts has told the Times that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the action is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “Andrew remains accused of sexual offences and abuse of office. He ought to be divested of every honor and his navy rank and should undergo a legal probe. Not using archaic honors is not a punishment that fits the offences.”