Why the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Official Titles – and What It Means for the Royal Family

Through a statement released via the royal household, Prince Andrew has declared that he will be relinquishing his royal titles, including the Duke of York. Below are the details of what was revealed – and what wasn't.

What Has the Prince Announced?

Having already withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has currently chosen to “go a step further” and agree to refrain from using the “title or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.

However, he employed the announcement to make a point of denying – as he has always done – the accusations of sexual impropriety made against him; albeit after settling a substantial sum to settle the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied any claims of improper conduct.

There has existed ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution regarding the claims against Andrew – particularly after his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to safeguard the royal family from further damage caused by media scrutiny.

Has the King Removed Him of His Honors?

Not at all. And, while this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it holds importance in two respects: initially, it enables the prince to openly state to have acted honourably in defence of the crown. As he said in his statement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and country first.”

Additionally, although he consented not to use it, the prince keeps the dukedom, along with the honors the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH His Royal Highness honorific, they are effectively inactive.

He continues to be a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the king if he is abroad or unwell. Although royal officials has indicated that, in practice, he will not be called upon to perform these duties.

Nonetheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement indicated the decision was made “following talks with the king”. There seems little doubt that, privately, the royal household pushed for this in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew.

Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?

To forcibly remove a ducal title would take an act of parliament, and would represent an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not happened to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely cause more harm to the image for the monarchy.

Andrew is also still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically as the son of a monarch. This would only be altered if a royal decree was enacted by the king.

The entire procedure might ultimately being drawn-out, meaning the objective of swiftly resolving the matter – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.

What Does It Mean for Andrew?

Embarrassment, likely above all. The statement represents an substantial reduction of standing he has resisted for years.

He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding reported efforts by his brother to encourage Andrew to relocate of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park.

While little light has been revealed about exactly how much money the prince has obtained due to his status, he continues to be a person of means. Back in 2007, he managed to raise £15m from the sale of a home that had been a wedding present from the queen, for example.

Why Now?

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

His friendship with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has 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.

Additionally, there were reports about his connections with an alleged intelligence operative and, this week, extracts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed the prince “thought that having sex with me was his birthright”.

Moreover, the king is due to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo soon, when he will become the first English monarch since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that visit to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about Andrew.

What Was the Reaction?

While he said Giuffre had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that the prince's style ought to be removed for “true justice” to be achieved.

The republican campaign group Republic has also said the move is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “Andrew remains accused of sexual offences and misuse of position. He should be stripped of all titles and his military position and should face a legal probe. Not using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that fits the offences.”