🔗 Share this article The Reasons the Duke of York Has Relinquished His Official Titles – and What It Means for the Monarchy In a announcement released via Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has declared that he will be relinquishing his royal titles, such as the Duke of York. Here is an overview of what has been announced – and what wasn't. What Has Andrew Said? Having already withdrawn as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has now chosen to “go a step further” and consent to refrain from using the “title or the honours which have been granted to” him. However, he used the statement to make a point of rejecting – as he has always done – the accusations of sexual impropriety made against him; even though after settling millions to resolve the legal claim brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he admitted no liability and firmly denied all allegations of improper conduct. There has been persistent pressure toward the royal institution over the allegations against Andrew – especially since his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims that his actions are to protect the royal family from additional harm resulting from media scrutiny. Has the King Removed Him of His Honors? No. And although this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it is significant in two respects: first, it enables the prince to openly state to have acted honourably in defence of the monarchy. As he said in his statement: “I have decided, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and country first.” Second, while he has agreed to abstain from using it, the prince keeps the dukedom, as well as the honors the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the esteemed Garter role as a member of the prestigious order. Similar to the royal style honorific, they are effectively dormant. 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 sovereign if he is overseas or unwell. However royal officials has made clear that, in practice, he would not be called upon to fulfil this role. Nonetheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement said the decision was made “in discussion with the monarch”. There seems little doubt that, privately, the royal household pushed for this in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew. Why Was He Not Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors? To forcibly remove a dukedom would take legislative action, and would represent such a historic move in full view of the nation – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in over a century – that it would likely result in further harm to the image for the monarchy. Andrew is also still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically as the son of a monarch. This would only be altered if a letters patent was issued by the king. The whole process could end up being drawn-out, meaning the goal of quickly addressing the matter – at least for the monarchy's interests – may not be met. What Are the Implications for Andrew? Embarrassment, likely above all. The statement signifies an effective loss of standing he has resisted for years. He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by his brother to persuade Andrew to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park. While little light has been revealed about exactly how much funds the prince has obtained due to his position, he continues to be a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he was able to raise £15m by selling a property that had been a gift from the queen, as an instance. Why Now? The seemingly endless list of scandals involving Andrew has proved intolerable for the king and other senior royals. His association with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines following revelations that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in an email dispatched months after he claimed to have ended communication. Additionally, there were reports about his association with an alleged intelligence operative and, this week, extracts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who took her own life in April. She alleged Andrew “thought that having sex with me was his birthright”. Moreover, the king is due to make a historic visit to see the pontiff soon, when he will become the initial British king since Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church 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 his brother. What Has Been the Reaction? While he said his sister had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that the prince's style ought to be removed for “true justice” to be achieved. The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has also said the move is “insufficient and delayed”, noting: “The prince continues to be facing allegations of sexual offences and misuse of position. He should be divested of every honor and his military position and should face a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that matches the accusations.”