Why the Duke of York is Giving Up His Royal Honors – and What It Means for the Monarchy
Through a announcement issued by Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has confirmed he is giving up his official honors, including his dukedom. Here are the details of what was announced – and what wasn't.
What Has the Prince Said?
After previously withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has currently decided to “take additional measures” and consent to refrain from using the “honor or the honours which have been conferred upon” 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 after settling a substantial sum to resolve the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing.
There has been persistent pressure toward the royal institution over the allegations against Andrew – especially since his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to protect the royal family from further damage caused by media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And although this might be viewed as a mere formality, it is significant in multiple ways: first, it enables the prince to openly state to have behaved with integrity in defence of the monarchy. As stated in his announcement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my relatives and country first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, the prince keeps his ducal title, along with the honors his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious position as a member of the prestigious order. Like the HRH His Royal Highness title, they essentially become inactive.
He remains royalty and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the king should he be abroad or unwell. Although royal officials has indicated that, in practice, he will not be asked to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement indicated the decision was made “in discussion with the monarch”. There seems highly likely that, behind the scenes, the palace pushed for the move in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a ducal title would take legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not happened to a senior royal in over a century – that it could cause more reputational damage for the monarchy.
Andrew is also still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically such as the son of a monarch. This would only be altered if a royal decree was issued by the reigning monarch.
The whole process could end up being drawn-out, implying the goal of quickly addressing the matter – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be achieved.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The statement signifies an substantial reduction of status he has fought against for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding reported efforts by his brother to encourage his brother to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been shed on exactly how much money Andrew has received due to his position, he continues to be a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he managed to raise £15m by selling a property that had been a gift from the queen, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The continual list of scandals related to the prince has proved unacceptable for the king and other senior royals.
His friendship 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 an email dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were reports about his association with an alleged Chinese spy and, this week, extracts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged Andrew “believed that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the sovereign is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff next week, during which he will be the initial British king after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that trip to be marred by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Has Been the Reaction?
While he said his sister had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts informed the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “true justice” to be done.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has additionally stated the move is “too little, too late”, adding: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He ought to be stripped of every honor and his navy rank and should undergo a criminal investigation. Not using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
