🔗 Share this article Why the Duke of York Has Surrendered His Official Titles – and What It Means for the Monarchy In a announcement released by 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 has been revealed – and what remains unchanged. What Did the Prince Announced? Having already withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has currently decided to “take additional measures” and consent to refrain from using the “honor or the awards which have been granted to” him. But he also used the statement to make a point of rejecting – as he has always done – the allegations of sexual impropriety made against him; albeit having paid out millions to resolve the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he admitted no liability and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing. There has existed ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution regarding the claims involving the prince – particularly after his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to protect his relatives from additional harm caused by public speculation. Has the King Removed Him of His Honors? No. And, while this might be viewed as a mere formality, it holds importance in multiple ways: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in support of the monarchy. As he said in his statement: “I have decided, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and the nation first.” Second, although he consented not to use it, the prince keeps the dukedom, as well as the titles the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the esteemed Garter role as a member of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH His Royal Highness honorific, they essentially become dormant. He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the sovereign if he is overseas or unwell. However royal officials has made clear that, in practice, he will not be asked to perform these duties. Nevertheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement said this choice was made “in discussion with the monarch”. There seems little doubt that, privately, the palace pushed for the move in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew. Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles? To forcibly remove a ducal title would require legislative action, and would represent an unprecedented step in full view of the public – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely 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 could only be altered if a letters patent was enacted by the king. The whole process could end up being protracted, implying the objective of quickly addressing the issue – at least for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be achieved. What Does It Mean for Andrew? Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an substantial reduction of status he has resisted for years. He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding reported efforts by his brother to encourage Andrew to relocate of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate. Although limited information has been shed on the precise amount of funds Andrew has received due to his status, he continues to be a person of means. In 2007, he was able to secure £15m by selling a property that had been a gift from the queen, as an instance. What Prompted This? The continual list of scandals involving Andrew has become intolerable for the king and other high-ranking family members. His friendship with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines after it emerged Andrew had told him “we are in this together” in an email sent three months after he claimed to have ended communication. Additionally, there were reports about his connections with an alleged intelligence operative and, this week, excerpts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged the prince “believed that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”. Moreover, the sovereign is scheduled to make a historic visit to see the pontiff next week, when he will become the initial British king since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that visit to be marred by further adverse coverage about Andrew. What Was the Reaction? Although he stated Giuffre had been “justified” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be achieved. The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has additionally stated the move is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He ought to be divested of every honor and his military position and should face a criminal investigation. Not using archaic honors is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”