The Reasons the Duke of York is Giving Up His Official Honors – and What It Means for the Royal Family
Through a statement issued by Buckingham Palace, the king's brother has declared that he will be giving up his official honors, including the Duke of York. Here is an overview of what has been announced – and what wasn't.
What Did Andrew Announced?
Having already stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has currently decided to “take additional measures” and agree not to use the “honor or the awards which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also used the statement to make a point of denying – as he has always done – the allegations of sexual impropriety made against him; even though having paid out a substantial sum to settle the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution regarding the allegations against Andrew – especially since his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to safeguard the royal family from additional harm resulting from public speculation.
Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Honors?
No. And although this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in two respects: initially, it enables the prince to openly state to have behaved with integrity in support of the monarchy. As he said in his announcement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my family and the nation first.”
Additionally, while he has agreed not to use it, the prince keeps the dukedom, along with the honors his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious Garter role as a member of the prestigious order. Similar to the royal style title, they are effectively inactive.
He continues to be a prince and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he is also still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the king if he is overseas or ill. Although the palace has indicated that, in practice, he will not be asked to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement said the decision was made “in discussion with the monarch”. It appears highly likely that, behind the scenes, the palace pushed for this in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of All of His Titles?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would require legislative action, and would represent 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 still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically such as the son of a monarch. This could only be altered if a letters patent was issued by the king.
The entire procedure could end up being protracted, meaning the objective of quickly addressing the issue – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Does It Mean for Andrew?
Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The statement represents an substantial reduction of status he has fought against for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, despite reported efforts by his brother to encourage Andrew to move out of the 30-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been shed on the precise amount of money Andrew has received due to his position, he continues to be 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, as an instance.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless series of controversies involving Andrew has proved intolerable for the monarch and other high-ranking family members.
His friendship with the jailed sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny following revelations Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in an email dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact.
There have also been stories about his connections with an alleged Chinese spy and, recently, extracts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed Andrew “believed that engaging sexually with her was his entitlement”.
Moreover, the sovereign is scheduled to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo soon, when he will become the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that visit to be marred by more negative headlines about Andrew.
What Has Been the Response?
Although he stated his sister had been “justified” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.
The republican advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the action is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual offences and misuse of position. He should be stripped of every honor and his military position and should undergo a criminal investigation. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a punishment that fits the offences.”
