🔗 Share this article Why the Duke of York is Giving Up His Official Titles – and What It Means for the Monarchy In a statement issued by the royal household, the king's brother has declared he is relinquishing his official honors, including the Duke of York. Here is an overview of what has been revealed – and what remains unchanged. What Did the Prince Said? After previously withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has now decided to “take additional measures” and agree not to use the “honor or the honours which have been conferred upon” him. But he also employed the announcement to emphatically denying – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of misconduct made against him; albeit after settling millions to resolve the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied all allegations of improper conduct. There has been persistent pressure on the monarchy over the claims against Andrew – particularly after his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to protect the royal family from additional harm caused by media scrutiny. Has the King Removed Him of His Titles? No. And although this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in multiple ways: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in support of the monarchy. As stated 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, Andrew retains his ducal title, along with the honors the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed position as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the His Royal Highness title, they are effectively inactive. He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he is also still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign if he is abroad or unwell. Although royal officials has made clear 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 “following talks with the king”. It appears little doubt that, behind the scenes, the palace advocated for the move in the aim of cutting Andrew loose. Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of All of His Titles? To revoke a dukedom would require legislative action, and would constitute such a historic move publicly before the public – it has not happened to a senior royal in over a century – that it could 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 child of the sovereign. This would only be altered if a letters patent was enacted by the reigning monarch. The entire procedure could end up being drawn-out, implying the objective of quickly addressing the issue – particularly for the monarchy's interests – may not be met. What Are the Implications for the Prince? Humiliation, likely above all. The statement signifies an effective loss of status he has resisted for years. The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding reported efforts by the king to encourage Andrew to relocate of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park. Although limited information has been revealed about the precise amount of funds the prince has obtained as a result of his position, he remains a person of means. In 2007, he managed to raise £15m from the sale of a home that had been a wedding present from the queen, as an instance. What Prompted This? The seemingly endless series of controversies related to the prince has become intolerable for the king and other senior royals. His association with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines following revelations Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in an email dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact. Additionally, there were stories about his connections with a suspected Chinese spy and, recently, extracts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged Andrew “believed that having sex with me was his entitlement”. Furthermore, the king is scheduled to make a historic visit to see the pontiff next week, during which he will be the initial British king since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church in 1534 to worship openly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that trip to be marred by further adverse coverage about his brother. What Was the Reaction? While he said his sister had been “vindicated” by the decision, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that Andrew’s honorary prince title should be revoked for “genuine accountability” to be achieved. The republican advocacy organization Republic has additionally stated the action is “too little, too late”, adding: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He should be divested of all titles and his navy rank and should undergo a criminal investigation. Not using archaic honors is not a punishment that fits the offences.”