🔗 Share this article Why the Duke of York is Giving Up His Royal Titles – and the Implications for the Royal Family Through a statement released via the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed he is giving up his official honors, including his dukedom. Here is an overview of what was revealed – and what wasn't. What Did the Prince Said? Having already withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has currently chosen to “take additional measures” and consent not to use the “title or the honours which have been granted to” him. But he also employed the announcement to make a point of denying – consistent with his past statements – the allegations of sexual impropriety made against him; even though having paid out millions to resolve the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected any claims of improper conduct. There has existed persistent pressure on the monarchy regarding the allegations involving the prince – particularly after his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to protect his relatives from further damage caused by media scrutiny. Has the King Removed Him of His Titles? Not at all. And, while this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it is significant in two respects: initially, it allows Andrew to openly state to have acted honourably in defence of the monarchy. As he said in his statement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my family and the nation first.” Second, although he consented to abstain from using it, Andrew retains his ducal title, along with the titles the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed Garter role as a member of the prestigious order. Like the HRH royal style honorific, they are effectively dormant. He remains royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he remains still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the king should he be abroad or ill. However the palace has indicated that, realistically, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role. Nevertheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement said the decision was made “in discussion with the monarch”. It appears little doubt that, privately, the palace advocated 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 revoke a ducal title would take an act of parliament, and would represent such a historic move publicly before the nation – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it could cause more harm to the image for the monarchy. The prince remains a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically such as the son of a monarch. This could only be altered if a royal decree was issued by the king. The entire procedure might ultimately being protracted, implying the objective of quickly addressing the matter – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – may not be met. What Does It Mean for the Prince? Embarrassment, likely above all. The statement signifies an effective loss of standing he has resisted for years. The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, notwithstanding reported efforts by the king to persuade his brother to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate. While little light has been revealed about exactly how much money the prince has obtained due to his status, he continues to be a wealthy individual. In 2007, he managed to raise £15m from the sale of a property that had been a gift from his mother, as an instance. What Prompted This? The continual series of controversies related to the prince has proved unacceptable for the monarch and other senior royals. His friendship with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines following revelations Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in an email dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ceased contact. Additionally, there were stories about his association with a suspected intelligence operative and, this week, extracts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She claimed Andrew “believed that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”. Furthermore, the king is due to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo soon, when he will become 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 trip to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about Andrew. What Was the Reaction? Although he stated his sister had been “vindicated” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts informed the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be achieved. The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has additionally stated the action is “too little, too late”, adding: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He ought to be stripped of all titles and his navy rank and should undergo a legal probe. Not using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that fits the offences.”