Prince Andrew Relinquishes Duke of York Title: Who’s Next in Line?

Prince Andrew has voluntarily given up his Duke of York title. The announcement was made in a personal statement from the royal. This move follows years of controversy surrounding his association with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The decision was made “in discussion with The King” and his wider family. According to Reuters, the prince stated he wishes to stop distracting from the work of the monarchy.

Royal Title Rules and the Line of Succession

With the title now reverting to the Crown, the question of succession arises. Royal tradition typically bestows the Duke of York title upon the monarch’s second son. Prince Andrew received it from his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, upon his marriage in 1986.

His ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, consequently loses the style of Duchess of York. Their two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, retain their royal titles but cannot inherit the Dukedom, as it is a title reserved for males.

The Future of the Duke of York Title

This creates a unique situation for the royal family. The current second son of the monarch is Prince Harry. However, he and his wife Meghan Markle stepped back from royal duties in 2020.

This makes a future grant to him highly unlikely. Attention now turns to the line of succession beneath Prince William. As the future king’s second son, Prince Louis is a potential candidate for the title one day. But the King may wait until Louis is much older before making any decision.

The future of the historic Duke of York title now rests solely with King Charles. A new appointment is not expected to be immediate, but the prince’s decision has permanently altered the royal landscape.

Thought you’d like to know

Why did Prince Andrew give up his title?

He stated it was to avoid distracting from King Charles’s work. This follows ongoing public scrutiny over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

Can Princess Beatrice become the Duchess of York?

No, she cannot. The Dukedom of York is a title that can only be inherited by or granted to a male member of the royal family.

What happens to Sarah Ferguson now?

She will no longer be styled as the Duchess of York. She remains a princess through her ex-husband and is often referred to as Sarah, Duchess of York.

Is Prince Harry the new Duke of York?

Not automatically. The title has reverted to the Crown. King Charles would have to formally grant it to him, which is considered unlikely.

Who is the most likely person to get the title next?

Prince Louis, as the second son of the future king, is a strong candidate. However, any grant of the title is a decision for the reigning monarch.

Trusted Sources

Reuters, BBC, Associated Press