The Reasons the Duke of York is Giving Up His Official Titles – and What It Means for the Royal Family

Through a announcement issued via the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed that he will be relinquishing his royal titles, such as the Duke of York. Here are the details of what was announced – and what remains unchanged.

What Did the Prince Said?

After previously stepped down as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has now decided to “take additional measures” and agree not to use the “title or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.

But he also used the statement to emphatically rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of sexual impropriety made against him; albeit after settling millions to settle the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing.

There has existed persistent pressure toward the royal institution over the allegations involving the prince – particularly after his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to protect his relatives from additional harm caused by public speculation.

Has the King Stripped Him of His Titles?

No. And although this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in multiple ways: first, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in support of the crown. As stated in his statement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and country first.”

Second, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, the prince keeps his ducal title, as well as the titles the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed position as a member of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the His Royal Highness title, they essentially become inactive.

He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the king should he be overseas or ill. However royal officials has indicated that, in practice, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role.

Nevertheless, it is significant that the prince's announcement indicated the decision was made “in discussion with the monarch”. There seems little doubt that, behind the scenes, the palace pushed for the move in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.

Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?

To revoke a dukedom would require legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it could cause more reputational damage for the royals.

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

The entire procedure could end up being drawn-out, implying the goal of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – may not be achieved.

What Are the Implications for Andrew?

Embarrassment, likely above all. The announcement represents an effective loss of status he has resisted for a long time.

The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, despite reported efforts by the king to persuade his brother to relocate of the thirty-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 position, he remains a person of means. Back in 2007, he managed to raise £15m by selling a home that had been a wedding present from his mother, for example.

Why Now?

The continual series of controversies involving Andrew 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 reports about his association with a suspected Chinese spy and, this week, excerpts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed the prince “believed that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”.

Moreover, the king is due to make a historic visit to see the pontiff next week, during which he will be the initial British king after Henry the Eighth broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that visit to be overshadowed by more negative headlines about Andrew.

What Has Been the Reaction?

While he said Giuffre had been “justified” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be achieved.

The republican advocacy organization Republic has also said the action is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual offences and abuse of office. He ought to be divested of all titles and his military position and should undergo a criminal investigation. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”