The Reasons the Duke of York is Giving Up His Official Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy
In a announcement issued via Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has confirmed that he will be relinquishing his official honors, including the Duke of York. Here is an overview of what was revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Did the Prince Said?
After previously withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, the prince has currently chosen to “go a step further” and agree not to use the “honor or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he employed the announcement to emphatically denying – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of misconduct leveled at him; albeit after settling a substantial sum to resolve the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has been ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy over the allegations against Andrew – particularly after his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to protect his relatives from further damage caused by public speculation.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And, while this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in two respects: first, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in support of the crown. As he said in his statement: “I have decided, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my family and country first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed not to use it, Andrew retains his ducal title, as well as the honors the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the prestigious position as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Similar to the His Royal Highness honorific, they are effectively inactive.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he is also still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the sovereign if he is abroad or unwell. However royal officials has indicated that, realistically, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement indicated the decision was made “following talks with the king”. There seems highly likely that, behind the scenes, the palace pushed for the move in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a dukedom would require legislative action, and would represent an unprecedented step in full view of the public – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it would likely result in further reputational damage for the monarchy.
Andrew is also still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically as the son of a monarch. This would only be changed if a royal decree was enacted by the king.
The entire procedure might ultimately being protracted, meaning the objective of swiftly resolving the matter – particularly for the monarchy's interests – may not be met.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The statement signifies an substantial reduction of status he has fought against for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, despite reported efforts by his brother to persuade Andrew to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been revealed about the precise amount of funds the prince has obtained as a result of his status, he remains a wealthy individual. 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.
Why Now?
The continual list of scandals involving Andrew has become unacceptable for the king and other senior royals.
His association with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines following revelations Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in a message sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
There have also been stories about his connections with an alleged intelligence operative and, this week, extracts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged Andrew “thought that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Moreover, the king is due to make a historic visit to see the pontiff next week, when he will become the first English monarch since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that visit to be marred by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Was the Response?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “justified” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved.
The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has also said the action is “too little, too late”, noting: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual offences and abuse of office. He should be stripped of every honor and his military position and should undergo a criminal investigation. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
