The Reasons the Duke of York Has Surrendered His Royal Honors – and the Implications for the Royal Family
Through a statement issued by the royal household, Prince Andrew has confirmed he is relinquishing his official honors, including his dukedom. Below is an overview of what has been announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Did the Prince Said?
After previously withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “take additional measures” and agree to refrain from using the “title or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he used the statement to emphatically denying – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; even though 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 all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has existed persistent pressure toward the royal institution regarding the allegations against Andrew – particularly after his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to protect his relatives from further damage caused by media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And, while this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it is significant in two respects: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in support of the monarchy. As he said 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 honors his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious position as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH His Royal Highness honorific, they essentially become dormant.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the sovereign if he is abroad or unwell. However royal officials has indicated that, in practice, he would not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nonetheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement indicated this choice was made “in discussion with the king”. There seems little doubt that, privately, the royal household pushed for this in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would take an act of parliament, and would constitute such a historic move in full view of the public – it has not happened to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely cause more harm to the image for the royals.
The prince remains still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically such as the child of the sovereign. This would only be altered if a royal decree was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The whole process could end up being drawn-out, implying the objective of swiftly resolving the issue – particularly for the monarchy's interests – may not be met.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Humiliation, likely above all. The statement signifies an substantial reduction of status he has resisted for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, despite reported efforts by the king to persuade his brother to move out of the 30-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been revealed about exactly how much money Andrew has received as a result of his status, he continues to be a person of means. Back in 2007, he managed to raise £15m by selling a property that had been a gift from his mother, for example.
Why Now?
The continual series of controversies involving Andrew has proved intolerable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines following revelations that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in an email sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
There have also been reports about his association with a suspected Chinese spy and, this week, extracts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed Andrew “believed that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is scheduled to make a historic visit to see the pontiff soon, when he will become the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that visit to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about his brother.
What Was the Response?
Although he stated his sister had been “vindicated” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts has told the Times that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved.
The republican campaign group Republic has additionally stated the action is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual offences and misuse of position. He ought to be stripped of all titles and his navy rank and should undergo a criminal investigation. Not using archaic honors is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
