Perhaps the question is not why now, but why it hadn’t happened sooner.
In a move that cements his banishment from royal life, Prince Andrew announced he was relinquishing the use of his royal titles and honors, and would no longer be known as the Duke of York.
The decision, announced Friday, was made in close consultation with Britain’s King Charles III, who is believed to be glad at the outcome, while Prince William and other members of the royal family were also consulted on the discussions, CNN understands.
So who gets to be the new Duke of York? Does it go back to the monarchy or Parliament or whatever for reassignment, or simply enter some sort of succession system?
Do the people of York just have to go without a lord?
EDIT: Apparently his daughters can’t inherit it via succession:
https://blog.lineofsuccession.co.uk/p/why-the-dukedom-of-york-is-rarely-inherited-tradition-circumstance-and-royal-evolution
EDIT2: It sounds like in effect, he stays the Duke of York and just doesn’t advertise the fact:
https://www.eonline.com/news/1423998/prince-andrew-royal-titles-who-is-new-duke-of-york
Do the people of York need a Duke or a Lord? Does the roll serve any purpose these days?
York hasn’t had a “lord” since 1406 lol