🔗 Share this article Why the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Royal Titles – and What It Means for the Monarchy In a statement released by the royal household, Prince Andrew has declared that he will be relinquishing his official honors, such as the Duke of York. Here are the details of what was announced – and what wasn't. What Has the Prince Announced? After previously withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “take additional measures” and consent to refrain from using the “honor or the awards which have been granted to” him. However, he used the statement to emphatically rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of sexual impropriety made against him; even though after settling a substantial sum to resolve the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied any claims of improper conduct. There has been persistent pressure toward the royal institution regarding the allegations involving the prince – particularly after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to safeguard his relatives from further damage resulting from public speculation. Has the King Removed Him of His Honors? Not at all. And although this might be viewed as a mere formality, it holds importance in two respects: first, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have acted honourably in defence of the crown. As stated in his statement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and the nation first.” Additionally, although he consented to abstain from using it, Andrew retains the dukedom, along with the honors his earldom and his barony and the esteemed Garter role as a member of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH royal style title, they essentially become inactive. He continues to be a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign if he is overseas or ill. However the palace has indicated that, in practice, he would not be asked to fulfil this role. Nevertheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement said this choice was made “in discussion with the monarch”. It appears highly likely that, privately, the royal household advocated for the move in the aim of cutting Andrew loose. Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of All of His Titles? To forcibly remove a ducal title would require 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 royals. Andrew is also a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he became such as the son of a monarch. This would only be altered if a letters patent was issued by the king. The entire procedure could end up being protracted, implying the objective of quickly addressing the matter – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be met. What Are the Implications for the Prince? Embarrassment, likely above all. The announcement signifies an effective loss of standing he has fought against for a long time. The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by the king to persuade his brother to relocate of the 30-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park. Although limited information has been shed on exactly how much funds Andrew has received as a result of his position, he continues to be a wealthy individual. In 2007, he managed to raise £15m by selling a home that had been a wedding present from his mother, for example. What Prompted This? The continual series of controversies related to the prince has proved unacceptable for the monarch and other senior royals. His association with the jailed sex criminal 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 after he claimed to have ceased contact. There have also been stories about his association with a suspected intelligence operative and, this week, excerpts 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 entitlement”. Moreover, the king is scheduled to make a historic visit to see the pontiff soon, when he will become the initial British king since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that trip to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about his brother. What Has Been the Reaction? Although he stated Giuffre had been “justified” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed a newspaper 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 move is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual offences and misuse of position. He should be stripped of all titles and his military position and should face a criminal investigation. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a punishment that fits the offences.”