🔗 Share this article The Reasons the Duke of York Has Surrendered His Royal Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy In a announcement released by the royal household, the king's brother 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 the Prince Said? Having already stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “take additional measures” and agree to refrain from using the “honor or the awards which have been conferred upon” him. However, he used the statement to make a point of denying – as he has always done – the accusations of sexual impropriety made against him; even though having paid out millions to resolve the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected any claims of wrongdoing. There has been ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution regarding the allegations against Andrew – particularly after his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to safeguard the royal family from further damage caused by media scrutiny. Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Titles? No. And although this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it is significant in two respects: initially, it enables the prince to openly state to have acted honourably in defence of the crown. As he said in his announcement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and country first.” Second, although he consented not to use it, Andrew retains the dukedom, as well as the honors the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious position as a member of the prestigious order. Similar to the royal style honorific, they essentially become inactive. He continues to be a prince and eighth in succession to the throne. Theoretically, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and may deputize for the king should he be overseas or unwell. However royal officials has made clear that, realistically, he would not be called upon to perform these duties. Nonetheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement indicated this choice was made “in discussion with the monarch”. There seems little doubt that, privately, the palace 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 forcibly remove a dukedom would require an act of parliament, and would constitute such a historic move in full view of the nation – it has not occurred to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely result in further reputational damage for the royals. Andrew is also a royal by birth. At his birth in 1960, he became such as the son of a monarch. This could only be changed if a royal decree was issued by the reigning monarch. The entire procedure might ultimately being protracted, meaning the objective of swiftly resolving the matter – at least for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be achieved. What Are the Implications for Andrew? Embarrassment, probably more than anything else. The announcement represents an effective loss of status he has fought against for years. He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, despite reported efforts by the king to encourage his brother to relocate of the thirty-room royal residence in the Windsor estate. Although limited information has been shed on the precise amount of funds the prince has obtained as a result of his position, he continues to be a wealthy individual. In 2007, he managed to raise £15m by selling a property that had been a gift from his mother, for example. 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 convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines following revelations that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in an email sent three months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication. There have also been stories about his connections with a suspected intelligence operative and, this week, extracts were published from the posthumous memoir of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged Andrew “thought that having sex with me was his entitlement”. Moreover, the king is due to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo soon, during which he will be the initial British king after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He will not have wanted that trip to be marred by further adverse coverage about Andrew. What Has Been the Response? Although he stated Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the decision, her sibling Sky Roberts has told the Times that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be done. The republican campaign group Republic has also said the action is “too little, too late”, adding: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual offences and abuse of office. He should be stripped of every honor and his military position and should undergo a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”