The Reasons the Duke of York Has Surrendered His Royal Honors – and What It Means for the Royal Family
Through a statement released via Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has declared he is giving up his official honors, such as his dukedom. Here is an overview 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Having already withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has currently decided to “take additional measures” and agree to refrain from using the “honor or the awards which have been granted to” him.
But he also used the statement to make a point of rejecting – as he has always done – the allegations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; even though after settling millions to settle the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy over the claims against Andrew – especially since his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to protect his relatives from additional harm resulting from public speculation.
Has the King Stripped Him of His Honors?
No. And although this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it holds importance in two respects: first, it enables the prince to openly state to have acted honourably in support of the crown. As stated in his statement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my family and country first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, Andrew retains his ducal title, along with the titles the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH His Royal Highness honorific, they essentially become dormant.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he is also still a counsellor of state – and can stand in for the king if he is overseas or unwell. However the palace has indicated that, in practice, he would not be called upon to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement said this choice was made “in discussion with the monarch”. There seems little doubt that, behind the scenes, the royal household advocated for the move in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To revoke a dukedom would require legislative action, and would represent such a historic move in full view of the nation – it has not occurred to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it could result in further harm to the image for the royals.
Andrew is also still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he became such as the child of the sovereign. This could only be altered if a letters patent was issued by the king.
The entire procedure could end up being drawn-out, implying the goal of quickly addressing the matter – particularly for the monarchy's interests – may not be met.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Embarrassment, likely above all. The announcement represents an effective loss of status he has fought against for a long time.
The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding reported efforts by the king to encourage Andrew to move out of the 30-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been shed on exactly how much funds the prince has obtained as a result of his status, he continues to be a person of means. In 2007, he managed to raise £15m from the sale of a property that had been a gift from his mother, as an instance.
What Prompted This?
The continual list of scandals related to the prince has proved unacceptable for the king and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny following revelations Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in a message sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication.
There have also been reports about his connections with an alleged Chinese spy and, this week, excerpts appeared 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 birthright”.
Moreover, the sovereign is scheduled to make a historic visit to see the pontiff next week, during which he will be the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that trip to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Was the Reaction?
While he said his sister had been “vindicated” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be done.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has additionally stated the action is “too little, too late”, adding: “Andrew remains accused of sexual offences and misuse of position. He should be divested of all titles and his military position and should undergo a criminal investigation. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
