The Reasons the Duke of York Has Surrendered His Royal Titles – and the Implications for the Royal Family
Through a announcement released via Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has confirmed that he will be giving up his royal titles, including his dukedom. Here is an overview of what was announced – and what wasn't.
What Did the Prince Announced?
After previously withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has now decided to “take additional measures” and consent not to use the “title or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also used the statement to emphatically rejecting – as he has always done – the accusations of misconduct leveled at him; even though having paid out millions to settle the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy regarding the claims involving the prince – especially since his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to safeguard his relatives from additional harm resulting from media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Titles?
No. And although this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it is significant 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 announcement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my family and the nation first.”
Second, although he consented not to use it, Andrew retains his ducal title, as well as the honors the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the prestigious Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH His Royal Highness honorific, they essentially become inactive.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign should he be abroad or ill. However the palace has indicated that, realistically, he will not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement indicated this choice was made “following talks with the monarch”. There seems little doubt that, behind the scenes, the palace advocated for this in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To revoke a dukedom would require legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely result in further harm to the image for the royals.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he became as the child of the sovereign. This could only be changed if a royal decree was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure might ultimately being drawn-out, implying the goal of swiftly resolving the issue – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – may not be met.
What Does It Mean for the Prince?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The statement represents an substantial reduction of standing he has resisted for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, despite rumoured attempts by the king to encourage Andrew to relocate of the 30-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been shed on the precise amount of money the prince has obtained due to his status, he continues to be a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he was able to raise ÂŁ15m from the sale of a property that had been a wedding present from his mother, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The continual series of controversies related to the prince has become intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in an email sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were stories about his connections with an alleged intelligence operative and, recently, excerpts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed Andrew “believed that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.
Moreover, the king is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff soon, when he will become the initial British king after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that visit to be marred by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Was the Response?
While he said his sister had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts has told the Times that the prince's style should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has also said the action is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He should be stripped of all titles and his military position and should undergo a legal probe. Not using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that fits the offences.”
