🔗 Share this article Why the Duke of York Has Surrendered His Royal Titles – and the Implications for the Royal Family Through a statement released via the royal household, Prince Andrew has confirmed he is relinquishing his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Below is an overview of what was announced – and what wasn't. What Has Andrew Said? Having already stepped down as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now chosen to “take additional measures” and consent not to use the “honor or the honours which have been conferred upon” him. However, he used the statement to emphatically denying – as he has always done – the accusations of sexual impropriety made against him; albeit after settling millions to resolve the legal claim filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied any claims of improper conduct. There has been persistent pressure on the monarchy regarding the claims involving the prince – particularly after his disastrous television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states that his actions are to safeguard the royal family from further damage caused by media scrutiny. Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Titles? No. And, while this could be dismissed as a mere formality, it is significant in multiple ways: initially, it allows Andrew to publicly claim to have acted honourably in defence of the monarchy. As he said in his statement: “I have chosen, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and the nation first.” Second, although he consented to abstain from using it, Andrew retains the dukedom, as well as the titles his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the esteemed Garter role as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Like the HRH royal style title, they are effectively inactive. 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 overseas or unwell. However royal officials has indicated that, realistically, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role. Nevertheless, it is significant that Andrew’s statement indicated this choice was made “in discussion with the king”. There seems highly likely that, behind the scenes, the palace advocated for this in the hope of cutting Andrew loose. Why Hasn’t He Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors? To forcibly remove a ducal title would take legislative action, and would represent an unprecedented step in full view of the public – it has not happened to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it could cause more harm to the image for the royals. Andrew is also a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically such as the child of the sovereign. This could only be changed if a royal decree was enacted by the reigning monarch. The entire procedure could end up being drawn-out, implying the goal of swiftly resolving the matter – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – would not necessarily be achieved. What Are the Implications for Andrew? Humiliation, likely above all. The announcement represents an substantial reduction of status he has fought against for a long time. He and his ex-wife, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding reported efforts by the king to persuade his brother to move out of the thirty-room Crown Estate property in Windsor Great Park. Although limited information has been shed on exactly how much funds Andrew has received as a result of his position, he remains a wealthy individual. Back in 2007, he was able to raise £15m by selling a home that had been a gift from his mother, for example. Why Now? The continual list of scandals involving Andrew has proved unacceptable for the king and other high-ranking family members. His association with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines after it emerged Andrew had told him “we share this situation” in an email dispatched months subsequent to his assertion to have ended communication. There have also been reports about his connections with a suspected intelligence operative and, this week, excerpts were published from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed Andrew “thought that having sex with me was his birthright”. Moreover, the sovereign is scheduled to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo soon, when he will become the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that visit to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about Andrew. What Has Been the Reaction? While he said his sister had been “justified” by the move, Giuffre’s brother 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 move is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “Andrew remains facing allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He should be stripped of every honor and his navy rank and should undergo a legal probe. Refraining from using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that fits the offences.”