Why the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Royal Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy

Through a announcement issued via the royal household, Prince Andrew has confirmed that he will be giving up his royal titles, including his dukedom. Here are the details of what was revealed – and what wasn't.

What Did the Prince Said?

After previously withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has currently decided to “take additional measures” and consent not to use the “title or the honours which have been granted to” him.

But he also used the statement to make a point of rejecting – as he has always done – the accusations of sexual impropriety made against him; albeit after settling millions to settle the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied any claims of improper conduct.

There has existed ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy regarding the claims against Andrew – especially since his disastrous Newsnight interview 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, while this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it is significant in multiple ways: initially, it enables the prince to openly state to have acted honourably in support of the crown. As stated in his announcement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my family and country first.”

Additionally, while he has agreed not to use it, Andrew retains the dukedom, as well as the titles the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the esteemed Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH His Royal Highness title, they are effectively inactive.

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 sovereign should he be abroad or unwell. However the palace has indicated that, in practice, he will not be called upon to perform these duties.

Nevertheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement said this choice was made “following talks with the monarch”. There seems little doubt that, behind the scenes, the royal household advocated for the move in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.

Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?

To revoke a ducal title would require an act of parliament, and would represent an unprecedented step publicly before the nation – it has not happened to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it could result in further reputational damage for the royals.

The prince remains still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he became such as the child of the sovereign. This could only be altered if a royal decree was enacted by the reigning monarch.

The entire procedure could end up being protracted, implying the goal of quickly addressing the issue – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.

What Does It Mean for the Prince?

Embarrassment, likely above all. The statement signifies an substantial reduction of status he has fought against for years.

The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, despite reported efforts by the king to persuade Andrew to move out of the 30-room royal residence in the Windsor estate.

While little light has been shed on the precise amount of funds Andrew has received as a result of his position, he remains a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he was able to secure £15m from the sale of a property that had been a wedding present from the queen, as an instance.

What Prompted This?

The continual series of controversies involving Andrew has proved unacceptable for the king and other senior royals.

His friendship with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again under scrutiny following revelations that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in an email dispatched months after he claimed to have ended communication.

There have also been stories about his association with a suspected intelligence operative and, recently, extracts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged the prince “thought that having sex with me was his birthright”.

Furthermore, the king is scheduled to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo next week, during which he will be the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that visit to be marred by further adverse coverage about Andrew.

What Was the Response?

Although he stated his sister had been “justified” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed the Times that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be done.

The anti-monarchist advocacy organization Republic has also said the action is “too little, too late”, noting: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual offences and misuse of position. He ought to be stripped of all titles and his navy rank and should undergo a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”