The Reasons the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Royal Honors – and What It Means for the Royal Family
In a statement released via Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has confirmed that he will be relinquishing his official honors, including the Duke of York. Here are the details of what was announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Did the Prince Announced?
Having already withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has now decided to “go a step further” and agree not to use the “honor or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
However, he used the statement to emphatically rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of misconduct leveled at him; even though after settling millions to resolve the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected all allegations of improper conduct.
There has been ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy regarding the claims involving the prince – especially since his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to safeguard the royal family from additional harm resulting from media scrutiny.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Honors?
Not at all. And although this might be viewed as a mere formality, it holds importance in two respects: initially, it allows Andrew to openly state to have acted honourably in support of the monarchy. As stated in his statement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and the nation first.”
Second, although he consented not to use it, Andrew retains his ducal title, as well as the titles his earldom and his barony and the esteemed Garter role as a member of the prestigious order. Like the HRH His Royal Highness title, they essentially become inactive.
He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the sovereign should he be overseas or unwell. Although royal officials has indicated that, realistically, he would not be asked to perform these duties.
Nonetheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement indicated this choice was made “following talks with the monarch”. There seems highly likely that, behind the scenes, the palace advocated for the move in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would take an act of parliament, and would constitute an unprecedented step in full view of the public – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it would likely result in further harm to the image for the monarchy.
The prince remains a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically as the son of a monarch. This would only be changed if a royal decree was enacted by the reigning monarch.
The whole process might ultimately being drawn-out, meaning the objective of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the monarchy's interests – may not be achieved.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an substantial reduction of standing he has fought against for a long time.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, despite rumoured attempts by his brother to persuade Andrew to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.
While little light has been shed on the precise amount of funds Andrew has received due to his status, he remains a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he managed to secure £15m by selling a home that had been a wedding present from his mother, for example.
What Prompted This?
The seemingly endless list of scandals involving Andrew has become unacceptable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His association with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny following revelations that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in an email dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
There have also been reports about his connections with a suspected Chinese spy and, this week, excerpts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged the prince “believed that having sex with me was his entitlement”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is due to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo soon, during which he will be the initial British king since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that visit to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about his brother.
What Has Been the Response?
While he said his sister had been “vindicated” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that the prince's style ought to be removed for “true justice” to be done.
The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has also said the action is “too little, too late”, noting: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual offences and abuse of office. He should be stripped of every honor and his navy rank and should undergo a legal probe. Not using archaic honors is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
