The Reasons the Duke of York Has Surrendered His Royal Honors – and What It Means for the Royal Family
Through a statement issued via the royal household, Prince Andrew has declared he is giving up his official honors, such as his dukedom. Below is an overview of what was revealed – and what wasn't.
What Has the Prince Said?
Having already withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has currently chosen to “go a step further” and consent not to use the “honor or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he used the statement to make a point of denying – as he has always done – the accusations of misconduct made against him; albeit having paid out millions to resolve the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy regarding the claims against Andrew – particularly after his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to protect his relatives from additional harm resulting from media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Honors?
No. And although this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in multiple ways: first, it enables the prince to openly state to have acted honourably in defence of the monarchy. As stated in his announcement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first.”
Second, although he consented to abstain from using it, the prince keeps his ducal title, as well as the honors the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious position as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH royal style title, they essentially become inactive.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he remains still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the king should he be overseas or unwell. Although royal officials has made clear that, realistically, he would not be asked to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement indicated the decision was made “in discussion with the king”. It appears little doubt that, behind the scenes, the palace pushed for this in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would take legislative action, and would constitute such a historic move publicly before the public – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely result in further reputational damage for the royals.
Andrew is also a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he became as the son of a monarch. This could only be altered if a royal decree was issued by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure might ultimately being drawn-out, meaning the goal of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be met.
What Are the Implications for the Prince?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The announcement signifies an substantial reduction of standing he has fought against for years.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, despite rumoured attempts by the king to encourage his brother to move out of the 30-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been shed on exactly how much money Andrew has received as a result of his position, he continues to be a person of means. Back in 2007, he was able to secure £15m by selling a property that had been a gift from the queen, as an instance.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless series of controversies related to the prince has proved unacceptable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny after it emerged Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in an email sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were reports about his connections with a suspected Chinese spy and, this week, excerpts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed the prince “believed that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the sovereign is due to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff soon, during which he will be the first English monarch since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that trip to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Has Been the Response?
Although he stated Giuffre had been “justified” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts has told the Times that the prince's style should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be done.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has also said the move is “too little, too late”, adding: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual offences and misuse of position. He ought to be stripped of all titles and his military position and should undergo a legal probe. Not using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
