The Reasons the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Royal Titles – and the Implications for the Royal Family

In a announcement released by the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed he is giving up his official honors, such as the Duke of York. Here are the details of what was revealed – and what wasn't.

What Did Andrew Announced?

Having already withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has now decided to “take additional measures” and agree not to use the “title or the awards which have been granted to” him.

But he also used the statement to emphatically denying – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of misconduct leveled at him; albeit having paid out millions to resolve the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied any claims of wrongdoing.

There has been persistent pressure toward the royal institution regarding the claims involving the prince – particularly after his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to safeguard the royal family from additional harm caused by public speculation.

Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Titles?

Not at all. And, while this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it is significant in two respects: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in defence of the monarchy. As he said in his announcement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to put my duty to my family and country first.”

Second, while he has agreed not to use it, the prince keeps the dukedom, as well as the titles the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed position as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH royal style title, they are effectively dormant.

He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign if he is overseas or unwell. However royal officials has indicated that, realistically, he would not be asked to fulfil this role.

Nevertheless, it is telling that the prince's announcement indicated the decision was made “following talks with the king”. There seems little doubt that, behind the scenes, the royal household pushed for this 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 legislative action, 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 result in further reputational damage for the monarchy.

Andrew is also a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he became as the child of the sovereign. This would only be altered if a royal decree was issued by the king.

The entire procedure could end up being protracted, meaning the goal of quickly addressing the matter – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be met.

What Are the Implications for the Prince?

Embarrassment, likely above all. The statement represents an effective loss of status he has fought against for years.

He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding reported efforts by his brother to persuade his brother to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate.

While little light has been shed on the precise amount of funds the prince has obtained due to his status, he remains a person of means. Back in 2007, he was able to secure £15m from the sale of a home that had been a gift from his mother, for example.

What Prompted This?

The seemingly endless list of scandals related to the prince has become unacceptable for the king and other high-ranking family members.

His association with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines following revelations Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in an email dispatched months after he claimed to have ended communication.

There have also been reports about his association with an alleged intelligence operative and, recently, extracts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged the prince “thought that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.

Furthermore, the king is scheduled to make a historic visit to see the pontiff soon, during which he will be the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that visit to be marred by further adverse coverage about his brother.

What Has Been the Response?

Although he stated his sister had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be done.

The republican advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the move is “too little, too late”, adding: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual offences and misuse of position. He ought to be stripped of all titles and his military position and should undergo a legal probe. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a penalty that fits the offences.”