Why the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Official Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy
Through a statement released 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 has been revealed – and what wasn't.
What Has the Prince Announced?
Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now decided to “take additional measures” and consent to refrain from using the “honor or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he employed the announcement to emphatically denying – as he has always done – the allegations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; albeit after settling millions to resolve the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied any claims of improper conduct.
There has been persistent pressure toward the royal institution regarding the allegations against Andrew – especially since his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to protect his relatives from additional harm caused by media scrutiny.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Honors?
No. And although this could be dismissed as a mere formality, 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 stated in his statement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first.”
Additionally, although he consented to abstain from using it, Andrew retains his ducal title, along with the titles his earldom and his barony and the prestigious position as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH His Royal Highness title, they are effectively inactive.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he is also still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the king should he be abroad or unwell. However royal officials has indicated that, in practice, he will not be asked to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement indicated the decision was made “in discussion with the king”. It appears little doubt that, behind the scenes, 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 ducal title would take an act of parliament, and would represent such a historic move in full view of the nation – it has not occurred to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it could cause more reputational damage for the royals.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. When he was born 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 reigning monarch.
The whole process might ultimately being drawn-out, implying the objective of quickly addressing the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Humiliation, likely above all. The announcement signifies an substantial reduction of status he has fought against for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by his brother to persuade his brother to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been revealed about the precise amount of funds the prince has obtained as a result of his position, he continues to be a person of means. Back in 2007, he was able to raise £15m by selling a home that had been a wedding present from his mother, for example.
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 has again in the headlines after it emerged Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in an email sent three months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were stories about his connections with a suspected Chinese spy and, recently, extracts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged the prince “believed that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Moreover, the king 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 worship openly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that trip to be marred by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Was the Reaction?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “true justice” to be done.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the action is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “Andrew remains accused of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He ought to be divested of every honor and his navy rank and should undergo a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
