The Reasons the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Royal Honors – and the Implications for the Royal Family
Through a statement released via Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has confirmed he is giving up his official honors, including his dukedom. Below are the details of what has been revealed – and what remains unchanged.
What Did Andrew Said?
Having already stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has currently decided to “take additional measures” and consent to refrain from using the “honor or the honours which have been granted to” him.
However, he employed the announcement to emphatically rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; albeit having paid out millions to settle the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy over the claims involving the prince – especially since his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to safeguard the royal family from additional harm resulting from media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And, while this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in multiple ways: first, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in defence of the crown. As stated in his statement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and the nation first.”
Second, while he has agreed not to use it, Andrew retains his ducal title, as well as the titles his earldom and his barony and the esteemed position as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the His Royal Highness honorific, they essentially become inactive.
He remains royalty and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the king if he is abroad or unwell. However the palace has indicated that, realistically, he would not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement said the decision was made “in discussion with the king”. It appears little doubt that, behind the scenes, the royal household pushed for this in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would take an act of parliament, and would represent such a historic move 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 harm to the image for the monarchy.
Andrew is also still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically such as the child of the sovereign. This would only be changed if a royal decree was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The whole process might ultimately being protracted, implying the objective of quickly addressing the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be achieved.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Humiliation, likely above all. The announcement signifies an substantial reduction of standing he has fought against for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by the king to encourage Andrew to move out of the 30-room royal residence 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. In 2007, he managed to secure £15m by selling a home that had been a gift from the queen, for example.
What Prompted This?
The continual series of controversies involving Andrew has become unacceptable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines following revelations Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in an email sent three months after he claimed to have ended communication.
There have also been reports about his association with a suspected 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 “believed that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Moreover, the sovereign is due to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo next week, when he will become the initial British king since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that trip to be marred by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Was the Response?
While he said his sister had been “justified” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be done.
The republican campaign group Republic has additionally stated the move is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “Andrew remains accused of sexual offences and misuse of position. He should be divested of every honor and his military position and should undergo a criminal investigation. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
