The Reasons the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Royal Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy
In a announcement issued via Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has declared he is relinquishing his official honors, including his dukedom. Below are the details of what has been announced – and what wasn't.
What Did the Prince Said?
Having already withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “go a step further” and consent to refrain from using the “honor or the honours which have been granted to” him.
However, he used the statement to make a point of rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of sexual impropriety made against him; even though after settling a substantial sum to settle the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied all allegations of improper conduct.
There has been ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy over the allegations against Andrew – 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 media scrutiny.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Honors?
No. And, while this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it is significant in multiple ways: initially, it allows Andrew to openly state 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, the prince keeps the dukedom, along with the honors the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed position as a member of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the royal style honorific, they are effectively dormant.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he is also still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the king if he is overseas or unwell. However royal officials has made clear that, realistically, he will not be asked to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement indicated the decision was made “following talks with the king”. It appears highly likely that, privately, the palace pushed for the move in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would require an act of parliament, and would constitute an unprecedented step publicly before the public – it has not happened to a senior royal in over a century – that it could cause more harm to the image for the royals.
The prince remains a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he became such as the child of the sovereign. This would only be altered if a letters patent was issued by the reigning monarch.
The entire procedure could end up being protracted, meaning the goal of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be met.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The statement represents an effective loss of status he has resisted for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding reported efforts by the king to persuade Andrew to relocate of the thirty-room royal residence in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been shed on exactly how much money Andrew has received as a result of his position, he remains a person of means. Back in 2007, he was able to secure £15m by selling a property that had been a gift from his mother, for example.
What Prompted This?
The continual list of scandals involving Andrew has proved intolerable for the king and other senior royals.
His friendship with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny following revelations Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in a message sent three months after he claimed to have ceased contact.
Additionally, there were stories about his connections with an alleged Chinese spy and, this week, excerpts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life 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 next week, during which he will be the initial British king since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that visit to be marred by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Has Been the Reaction?
While he said his sister had been “vindicated” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts informed the Times that the prince's style ought to be removed for “true justice” to be achieved.
The republican campaign group Republic has additionally stated the move is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He should be stripped of every honor and his navy rank and should undergo a legal probe. Not using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
