🔗 Share this article The Reasons the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Royal Titles – and the Implications for the Monarchy In a announcement issued via Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has confirmed he is relinquishing his royal titles, including the Duke of York. Here are the details of what was announced – and what remains unchanged. What Did Andrew Announced? Having already stepped down as a working royal in 2019, the prince has currently chosen to “go a step further” and agree not to use the “title or the awards which have been granted to” him. But he also used the statement to make a point of denying – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of sexual impropriety made against him; albeit having paid out a substantial sum to resolve the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied all allegations of wrongdoing. There has existed ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution over the claims involving the prince – particularly after his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to safeguard the royal family from additional harm resulting from public speculation. Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Titles? No. And, while this might be viewed as a mere formality, it holds importance in two respects: 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 put my duty to my relatives and country first.” Additionally, although he consented not to use it, Andrew retains his ducal title, 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 are effectively inactive. He continues to be a prince 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 overseas or ill. Although the palace has indicated that, in practice, he would not be asked to fulfil this role. Nonetheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement said this choice was made “in discussion with the monarch”. It appears little doubt that, behind the scenes, the palace advocated for this in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew. Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors? To revoke a ducal title would require legislative action, and would constitute such a historic move publicly before the nation – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it would likely result in further reputational damage for the royals. The prince remains a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he was automatically as the son of a monarch. This would only be altered if a royal decree was enacted by the king. The entire procedure could end up being drawn-out, meaning the goal of swiftly resolving the matter – particularly for the monarchy's interests – may not be achieved. What Does It Mean for Andrew? Humiliation, likely above all. The announcement represents an effective loss of status he has resisted for a long time. The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, despite reported efforts by the king to persuade his brother to relocate of the 30-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate. While little light has been shed on 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 by selling a home that had been a wedding present from the queen, for example. Why Now? The seemingly endless list of scandals related to the prince has become intolerable for the king and other senior royals. His association with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines following revelations that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in an email dispatched months after he claimed to have ended communication. 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 died by suicide in April. She claimed the prince “believed that having sex with me was his birthright”. Furthermore, the sovereign is due to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff soon, when he will become the first English monarch 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? Although he stated his sister had been “vindicated” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that the prince's style ought to be removed for “true justice” to be achieved. The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has additionally stated the action is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual offences and abuse of office. He should be divested of every honor and his navy rank and should face a criminal investigation. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a penalty that fits the offences.”