Prince Andrew, in October 2025, publicly made the decision to no longer employ royal titles like the Duke of York. The move was announced by Buckingham Palace, which described it as a way to support the King and the royal family. Prince Andrew added that the decision reflected his commitment to the country and his family. Prince Andrew went on to say that the move was a move of commitment to country and familial duty. Though he did not take blame, he described the move as a “step further” away from his previous withdrawal into the private sphere. This article is about the effect of this move, where the title is taken from, in what way it is attributed to scandal, and what it says about the monarchy and public.
The dukedom of York, its origin
The dukedom of York is more than 600 years old and historically granted to the monarch’s second son. Previous incumbents have most typically been recognised in the military, politics, and public life. Prince Andrew was granted the title when he married in 1986. He undertook official duties in the name of the royal family for decades, helped charity, and served in the Royal Navy. The title was as much a question of profile and dignity as work and of royal duty. History also decreed that whoever held any scandal would get coverage across the country, which served to contribute to its impact on the monarchy.
Scandals and media scrutiny
Prince Andrew’s public reputation was destroyed by his links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He faced accusations of impropriety and involvement in civil action that had immense public and media attention. In 2019, after a universally criticized TV interview, he relinquished royal work. In 2022, he settled a civil action brought by Virginia Giuffre for approximately £12 million without liability. The settlement, while legally concluding the case, did not leave the public with no questions regarding accountability. Until 2025, ongoing media scrutiny and pressure from the family compelled him to take another move: relinquishing use of the Duke of York title in public life.
A symbolic move, and not a legal one
It must be noted that the removal of the Duke of York title by Prince Andrew is voluntary and symbolic. He remains legally to hold the title, and its removal is a parliamentary matter. In this case, Prince Andrew’s decision carries more weight in public perception than in legal or official terms. While the title remains his legally, the symbolic withdrawal affects how people view him and the monarchy. By presenting the action as sacrificial action taken in defense of the monarchy, the action is meant to deflect and protect the institution. Symbolic actions are not able to replace responsibility, though, and in failing to take official action, the problems become entangled.
Public opinion and media
There was a blazing public outcry. Opinion polls had indicated that as many as 67% of the British public were of the opinion that Andrew needed to be stripped of his titles altogether. That is a gauge of public outrage and requires real accountability. Opinion was whipped up. Social media and the tabloid press were invoked to blow the criticism out of proportion, and columnists were arguing about whether or not the gesture was symbolic or meaningful. The £12 million pay-out agreement also raised the question of whether half the money given in exchange for shame being relinquished would be sufficient to set right the injustice. Media pressure and public opinion offered a scenario under which the palace felt compelled to act.
Why the timing was important
The timing of the announcement was strategic. By resigning in 2025, Prince Andrew and the royal system attempted to save their reputation from shambles before other scandals could grow. The monarchy of King Charles III is under extreme pressure to be accountable. By offering to relinquish the Duke of York title voluntarily, Andrew reduced the maximum damage to the public life of the top royals. The gesture also attempted to restore some of the trust of the public but, in not going through parliamentary debate or law court, avoided confrontation. However, timing is no alternative for constitutional change, because opponents say that the public will continue to feel that the gesture does not go far enough.
Taking responsibility, not spinning
Accountability requires taking responsibility for one’s actions. Most people view Prince Andrew’s move as a way to influence public opinion, rather than a true confession or legal admission of wrongdoing. Some actions are voluntary, like his symbolic withdrawal of the title, while others would be involuntary, such as a legal acknowledgment of abuse. Although the title is no longer used publicly, it still legally belongs to Andrew. This dual nature allows the monarchy to protect its dignity while avoiding direct legal engagement.
The royal family’s view of the monarchy
According to the royal family, Prince Andrew’s decision to step back from using the Duke of York title publicly reduces short-term risk and allows working royals to carry out duties without hesitation. It allows for a system of upholding dignity of the institution without facing a complicated and sensitive problem behind closed doors. But judging bias would be a situation under which privilege would somehow protect people from full responsibility. If the masses would believe that symbolic gestures would suffice and not actual consequences, then legitimacy of monarchy as an institution would eventually be lost. Institutional continuity versus transparency is the critical issue at hand.
Symbolic and economic meaning of the Duke of York
Figures symbolize the very essence of this narrative. The £12 million fee is also contentious on the basis of accountability. Public opinion surveys report 67% support for abandoning titles. Both are instances of where money, symbolism, and public opinion converge. Even the title Duke of York is symbolic: it carries centuries of tradition, privilege, and royal expectation. Stepping back from his duties sends a clear message. However, he still retains all the legal and moral authority that comes with the title. Symbolic gestures will only appease headlines but will not develop trust in the long term.
Broader social implications
The Duke of York scandal has broader social implications of privilege, responsibility, and accountability in institutions today. The title once represented responsibility and respect. Now, people see it as a symbol of the clash between old traditions and modern values. Experts warn that voluntarily giving up a title without following formal legal procedures sets a difficult-to-change precedent. This means symbolic actions could replace real legal or moral accountability. Reformers suggest creating clear rules that link titles and honors to personal conduct. Doing so would ensure that public trust relies on permanent standards rather than temporary gestures.
Possible futures
Alternatively, the monarchy may decide its future. Title stripping by legal reform can make it a possibility without having to use parliament. It would introduce accountability measures and have the potential to change the institution’s reaction to any future crises. Ad hoc solutions such as Andrew’s will appear superficial unless reform takes place. The palace would also be free to make more overt in-house policy on titles, honours, and patronages. Both measures suggest just how seriously the royals are taking the public’s trust. This controversy will determine how people view the royal family and how they judge symbolic actions in modern Britain.
Symbolism and accountability
Prince Andrew’s quitting to prevent usage of the Duke of York title within public life is a strong symbolic action. It indicates that even institutions centuries old bigger than him have to adapt to public opinion. But since the title still legally belongs to him and there is no admission of fault, the gesture is symbolic. Symbolic gestures have a dual role. To the monarchy, it reduces reputational risk and guards the public image. To the people, it is commitment half-way but not responsibility. Root-and-branch reform will need to balance symbolic gestures with actual legal and ethical underpinnings. The Duke of York crisis will be a challenge to the extent to which the royal family balances tradition, public opinion, and institutional accountability.
