The Reasons the Duke of York is Giving Up His Royal Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy
Through a announcement released via Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has declared that he will be giving up his official honors, including the Duke of York. Here is an overview of what has been announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Has the Prince Announced?
After previously withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has currently chosen to “take additional measures” and consent to refrain from using the “honor or the awards which have been granted to” him.
However, he employed the announcement to emphatically denying – as he has always done – the accusations of misconduct made against him; even though after settling a substantial sum to resolve the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing.
There has existed persistent pressure on the monarchy over the allegations involving the prince – particularly after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to protect his relatives from additional harm resulting from media scrutiny.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Honors?
No. And although this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it is significant in multiple ways: initially, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in support of the crown. As he said in his announcement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and country first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, the prince keeps his ducal title, along with the honors his earldom and his barony and the esteemed position as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH His Royal Highness honorific, they essentially become dormant.
He remains a prince and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he remains still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the sovereign should he be overseas or unwell. However royal officials has indicated that, realistically, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role.
Nevertheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement said the decision was made “following talks with the king”. There seems little doubt that, privately, the palace pushed for the move in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would take legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step publicly before 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 monarchy.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically as the son of a monarch. This would only be changed if a letters patent was issued by the reigning monarch.
The whole process could end up being drawn-out, meaning the objective of swiftly resolving the matter – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be met.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Humiliation, likely above all. The statement represents an substantial reduction of standing he has fought against for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by his brother to persuade his brother to move out of the 30-room royal residence in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been revealed about the precise amount of funds the prince has obtained as a result of his status, he continues to be a person of means. Back in 2007, he managed to raise £15m from the sale of a home that had been a gift from his mother, for example.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless list of scandals involving Andrew has proved intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny following revelations that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in an email dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
There have also been stories about his connections with a suspected intelligence operative and, recently, excerpts 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 entitlement”.
Furthermore, the king is scheduled to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo soon, during which he will be the initial British king after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that trip to be marred by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Has Been the Response?
While he said Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told the Times that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has also said the move is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He ought to be stripped of all titles and his military position and should face a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
