The Reasons the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Official Honors – and What It Means for the Royal Family
In a announcement issued via Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has confirmed he is giving up his official honors, such as his dukedom. Below is an overview of what has been announced – and what wasn't.
What Has Andrew Said?
Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now decided to “take additional measures” and consent to refrain from using the “title or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he used the statement to make a point of denying – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of sexual impropriety made against him; even though having paid out millions to settle the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied any claims of improper conduct.
There has existed persistent pressure on the monarchy over the claims against Andrew – especially since his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to safeguard his relatives from further damage caused by media scrutiny.
Has the King 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 monarchy. As stated in his statement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my family and country first.”
Second, while he has agreed not to use it, Andrew retains the dukedom, along with the titles the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the esteemed Garter role as a member of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the royal style honorific, they are effectively dormant.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he remains still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the king should he be abroad or unwell. Although the palace has made clear that, realistically, he would not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement indicated the decision was made “in discussion with the monarch”. There seems highly likely that, behind the scenes, the palace pushed for this in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a dukedom 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 result in further harm to the image for the monarchy.
The prince remains a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically such as the son of a monarch. This could only be changed if a letters patent was issued by the king.
The whole process could end up being drawn-out, implying the objective of swiftly resolving the matter – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be met.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Humiliation, likely above all. The announcement signifies an effective loss of standing he has resisted for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, despite rumoured attempts by his brother to encourage Andrew to move out of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been shed on 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 by selling a property that had been a gift from his mother, for example.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless series of controversies involving Andrew has proved intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the jailed sex criminal 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.
Additionally, there were reports about his connections with an alleged intelligence operative and, this week, excerpts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed the prince “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, when he will become the initial British king after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that trip to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Was the Response?
While he said his sister had been “justified” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “true justice” to be achieved.
The republican campaign group Republic has also said the move is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “Andrew remains accused of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He ought to be stripped of every honor and his military position and should face a criminal investigation. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
