🔗 Share this article Why the Duke of York is Giving Up His Royal Honors – and What It Means for the Monarchy In a announcement released by the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed he is giving up his royal titles, including his dukedom. Below is an overview of what was revealed – and what wasn't. What Has Andrew Announced? After previously withdrawn as a working royal in 2019, Andrew has currently chosen to “go a step further” and consent to refrain from using the “honor or the awards which have been granted to” him. But he also employed the announcement to make a point of denying – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of sexual impropriety made against him; even though having paid out a substantial sum to settle the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected all allegations of improper conduct. There has existed ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution over the allegations involving the prince – especially since his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to protect his relatives from additional harm resulting from public speculation. Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Honors? No. And although this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in multiple ways: first, it enables the prince to openly state to have behaved with integrity in defence of the crown. As stated in his announcement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my family and the nation first.” Second, although he consented not to use it, Andrew retains the dukedom, along with the titles the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed position as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the royal style honorific, they essentially become inactive. He continues to be royalty and eighth in the line of succession. Theoretically, he is also still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign if he is abroad or unwell. Although the palace has indicated that, in practice, he would not be asked to fulfil this role. 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 palace advocated for this in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew. Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors? To revoke a ducal title would require an act of parliament, and would constitute an unprecedented step in full view of the public – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it would likely cause more reputational damage for the royals. Andrew is also still a prince. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically such as the son of a monarch. This would only be altered if a letters patent was issued by the reigning monarch. The whole process could end up being drawn-out, implying the objective of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be met. What Does It Mean for the Prince? Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an substantial reduction of standing he has fought against for a long time. The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by his brother to persuade Andrew to move out of the thirty-room royal residence in the Windsor estate. Although limited information has been shed on the precise amount of funds Andrew has received as a result of his status, he remains a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he was able to secure £15m from the sale of a property that had been a wedding present from his mother, for example. What Prompted This? The continual series of controversies related to the prince has become unacceptable for the king and other high-ranking family members. 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 after he claimed to have ceased contact. Additionally, there were stories about his connections with an alleged Chinese spy and, this week, extracts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged the prince “believed that having sex with me was his birthright”. Moreover, the sovereign is scheduled to undertake a significant trip 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 move, her sibling Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that the prince's style ought to be removed for “true justice” to be done. The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has additionally stated the action is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “Andrew remains accused of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He should be stripped of every honor and his navy rank and should undergo a criminal investigation. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”