🔗 Share this article Why the Duke of York is Giving Up His Official Titles – and the Implications for the Monarchy Through a announcement issued via the royal household, the king's brother has confirmed that he will be relinquishing his royal titles, such as his dukedom. Below are the details of what was announced – and what remains unchanged. What Has Andrew Announced? Having already stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, Andrew has currently decided to “take additional measures” and agree to refrain from using the “title or the honours which have been conferred upon” him. But he also used the statement to make a point of rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; even though after settling millions to settle the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied all allegations of wrongdoing. There has existed ongoing scrutiny on the monarchy over the allegations against Andrew – especially since his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He presently states he is acting to safeguard the royal family from additional harm caused by public speculation. Has the King Removed Him of His Titles? No. And, while this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it is significant in multiple ways: first, it allows Andrew to publicly claim 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, although he consented to abstain from using it, Andrew retains the dukedom, along with the titles the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the esteemed Garter role as a member of the Order of the Garter. Similar to the royal style honorific, they are effectively inactive. He continues to be royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he remains a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the king if he is abroad or unwell. However the palace has made clear that, in practice, he would not be called upon to perform these duties. Nonetheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement indicated this choice was made “following talks with the monarch”. It appears highly likely that, privately, the royal household pushed for the move in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew. Why Was He Not Been Officially Stripped of His Entire Honors? To forcibly remove a ducal title would take legislative action, and would constitute an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not occurred to a senior royal in over a century – that it could cause more reputational damage for the monarchy. The prince remains a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically such as the child of the sovereign. This would only be changed if a royal decree was enacted by the king. The entire procedure could end up being drawn-out, meaning the goal of quickly addressing the matter – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – may not be achieved. What Are the Implications for the Prince? Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement signifies an effective loss of status he has fought against for years. The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, still live in Royal Lodge, despite rumoured attempts by his brother to persuade his brother to move out of the 30-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park. Although limited information has been revealed about the precise amount of money Andrew has received as a result of his position, he continues to be a wealthy individual. In 2007, he managed to secure £15m from the sale of a home that had been a wedding present from the queen, as an instance. What Prompted This? The seemingly endless series of controversies involving Andrew has proved unacceptable for the monarch and other senior royals. His friendship with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny following revelations 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 stories about his association with an alleged intelligence operative and, this week, extracts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She alleged Andrew “thought that having sex with me was his birthright”. Moreover, the sovereign is due to undertake a significant trip to meet Pope Leo next week, when he will become the initial British king after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and leader of Catholicism. He would not desire that visit to be marred by further adverse coverage about his brother. What Has Been the Reaction? While he said Giuffre had been “vindicated” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts has told a newspaper that the prince's style should be revoked for “true justice” to be done. The republican campaign group Republic has additionally stated the action is “too little, too late”, adding: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual misconduct and abuse of office. He ought to be stripped of every honor and his navy rank and should face a legal probe. Not using silly medieval titles is not a penalty that fits the offences.”