Why the Duke of York is Giving Up His Royal Honors – and What It Means for the Monarchy
In a statement released via Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has confirmed 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 Andrew Said?
Having already stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “take additional measures” and agree to refrain from using the “honor or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also employed the announcement to emphatically rejecting – as he has always done – the accusations of misconduct made against him; albeit having paid out millions to settle the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected any claims of improper conduct.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy regarding the claims involving the prince – particularly after his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to protect the royal family from further damage resulting from public speculation.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And although this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it is significant in multiple ways: first, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in defence of the monarchy. As stated in his statement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and country first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed not to use it, Andrew retains his ducal title, as well as the honors his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed position as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the His Royal Highness honorific, they are effectively dormant.
He remains royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the king if he is abroad or unwell. Although royal officials has made clear that, in practice, he would not be asked to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement said this choice was made “in discussion with the king”. There seems little doubt that, privately, the palace pushed for the move in the aim of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a ducal title would require an act of parliament, 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 cause more harm to the image for the monarchy.
The prince remains a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he became as the child of the sovereign. This would only be altered if a letters patent was enacted by the king.
The whole process could end up being drawn-out, meaning the goal of quickly addressing the matter – particularly for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be met.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The statement represents an effective loss 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 persuade Andrew to relocate of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.
Although limited information has been shed on the precise amount of funds Andrew has received as a result of his position, he continues to be a person of means. In 2007, he managed to raise £15m by selling a home that had been a wedding present from his mother, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The continual series of controversies involving Andrew has become unacceptable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines after it emerged Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in an email sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
There have also been stories about his association with an alleged Chinese spy and, recently, extracts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed the prince “thought that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the king is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff next week, when he will become the initial British king since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that trip to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Has Been the Response?
While he said his sister had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be done.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has also said the action is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He should be divested 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.”
