The Reasons the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Official Titles – and What It Means for the Monarchy

In a announcement issued by the royal household, Prince Andrew has declared he is giving up his royal titles, including the Duke of York. Here are the details of what has been announced – and what wasn't.

What Did Andrew Announced?

Having already stepped down as a working royal in 2019, the prince has currently decided to “take additional measures” and agree to refrain from using the “honor or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.

But he also used the statement to emphatically denying – as he has always done – the accusations of misconduct made against him; even though having paid out millions to resolve the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied any claims of wrongdoing.

There has existed persistent pressure on the monarchy regarding the allegations involving the prince – especially since his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to protect the royal family from additional harm resulting from public speculation.

Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Honors?

Not at all. And although this might be viewed as a mere formality, it is significant in multiple ways: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in defence of the monarchy. As stated in his statement: “I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my relatives and the nation first.”

Additionally, 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 Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the His Royal Highness title, they are effectively inactive.

He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he is also still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign should he be overseas or ill. However the palace has indicated that, in practice, he would not be asked to fulfil this role.

Nevertheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement said this choice was made “in discussion with the monarch”. There seems highly likely that, behind the scenes, the royal household advocated for the move in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.

Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles?

To revoke a dukedom would take an act of parliament, and would represent an unprecedented step publicly before the nation – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it could cause more harm to the image for the royals.

The prince remains a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically such as the son of a monarch. This could only be altered if a letters patent was enacted by the king.

The entire procedure could end up being drawn-out, implying the goal of quickly addressing the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be met.

What Does It Mean for Andrew?

Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The statement represents an substantial reduction of standing he has resisted for years.

The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, despite rumoured attempts by the king to encourage Andrew to relocate of the thirty-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.

While little light has been shed on the precise amount of money the prince has obtained due to his status, he continues to be a wealthy individual. In 2007, he managed to secure £15m by selling a home that had been a gift from the queen, as an instance.

Why Now?

The continual list of scandals related to the prince has become intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members.

His association with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines after it emerged Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in an email dispatched months after he claimed to have ended communication.

There have also been stories about his connections with an alleged Chinese spy and, recently, extracts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed the prince “thought that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.

Furthermore, the king is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff soon, when he will become the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that trip to be marred by further adverse coverage about his brother.

What Has Been the Reaction?

Although he stated 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 “genuine accountability” to be done.

The republican campaign group Republic has additionally stated the action is “too little, too late”, adding: “Andrew remains accused of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He ought to be divested of every honor and his military position and should face a criminal investigation. Not using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”