🔗 Share this article The Reasons the Duke of York Has Surrendered His Royal Honors – and What It Means for the Royal Family Through a statement issued via the royal household, Prince Andrew has declared he is giving up his royal titles, including the Duke of York. Here are the details of what has been revealed – and what remains unchanged. What Did Andrew Said? After previously withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has currently decided to “take additional measures” and consent to refrain from using the “title or the awards which have been conferred upon” him. But he also employed the announcement to make a point of denying – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of misconduct made against him; even though after settling millions to settle the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing. There has been persistent pressure on the monarchy over the claims against Andrew – especially since his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to protect the royal family from further damage resulting from public speculation. Has the King Stripped Him of His Titles? No. And, while this might be viewed as a mere formality, it is significant in two respects: initially, it enables the prince to openly state to have behaved with integrity in defence of the monarchy. As stated in his statement: “I have chosen, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and country first.” Additionally, while he has agreed not to use it, Andrew retains the dukedom, along with the titles the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the prestigious position as Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. Like the HRH royal style honorific, they are effectively inactive. He continues to be a prince and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the king should he be abroad or unwell. However the palace has indicated that, realistically, he would not be called upon to fulfil this role. Nonetheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement said this choice was made “following talks with the king”. There seems little doubt that, behind the scenes, the royal household pushed for this in the aim of distancing the institution from Andrew. Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of All of His Titles? To revoke a ducal title would take legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step publicly before the nation – it has not happened to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely cause more harm to the image for the royals. The prince remains a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he became such as the son of a monarch. This would only be changed if a royal decree was issued by the king. The whole process could end up being drawn-out, meaning the objective of quickly addressing the issue – at least for the monarchy's interests – may not be achieved. What Does It Mean for Andrew? Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement signifies an substantial reduction of standing he has fought against for years. 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 thirty-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate. While little light has been shed on the precise amount of money Andrew has received as a result of his position, he remains a wealthy individual. In 2007, he managed to secure £15m by selling a home that had been a wedding present from his mother, as an instance. What Prompted This? The continual list of scandals involving Andrew has become intolerable for the monarch and other senior royals. His friendship with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny following revelations that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in a message sent three months after he claimed to have ceased contact. There have also been stories about his connections with a suspected intelligence operative and, this week, extracts appeared from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed the prince “thought that having sex with me was his birthright”. Furthermore, the sovereign is scheduled to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo next week, when he will become the initial British king after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. 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 has told the Times that the prince's style ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be achieved. The republican campaign group Republic has additionally stated the action is “too little, too late”, noting: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual offences and abuse of office. He should be stripped of every honor and his navy rank and should undergo a criminal investigation. Not using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”