Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is set to lose his honorary freedom of the City of London, following his refusal to give it up willingly.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor may be about to lose his honorary status in the City of London
The former royal, whose titles and privileges were revoked by King Charles in October due to ties with the late Jeffrey Epstein, was originally awarded the honor in 2012 because his father, Prince Philip, was a freeman. In April, the City of London Corporation requested he return it, but he did not reply.
And as a result, the corporation is now developing a process to remove Andrew’s right to the freedom because there isn’t a current mechanism to do so.
A City of London Corporation spokesperson told the Daily Telegraph newspaper: “Our thoughts remain with the victims of Jeffrey Epstein, and with all victims and survivors of sexual abuse and exploitation.
“If elected members approve the new process, they will then consider whether Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s freedom should be removed.”
There had been discussion that the corporation could draft a bill, which would then need to be passed by Parliament, but it seems they are looking into a speedier process.
The spokesperson added: “We understand why people want this matter resolved as quickly as possible, and we share that desire.
“The fastest and most appropriate approach is to put in place a lawful process that allows the City corporation to make these decisions itself, rather than seeking legislation through Parliament.
“We are progressing that work and, if elected members approve the new process, they will then be able to consider whether Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s freedom should be removed.”
In May, the City of London Corporation have passed a motion of censure, a formal expression of disapproval, after 66-year-old Andrew - who was arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office - failed to respond to their letter inviting him to give up the honour.
The motion noted there was “profound disappointment” Andrew had “not surrendered his freedom despite being asked to do so”.
The City Corporation’s court of common council had branded the disgraced royal's links with Epstein “wholly unacceptable and inconsistent” with the status and obligations of a freeman of the City of London, and noted they have instructed officers to commence proceedings to enable it to “lawfully remove the freedom of the City from Andrew”.
In its full motion, the court said: “The court of Common Council notes with the utmost dismay Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s association with the convicted paedophile, the late Jeffrey Epstein, and his accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell.
“Whilst it recognises that Mr Mountbatten-Windsor maintains that he has done nothing wrong, it nevertheless considers that his well-publicised association with Epstein is wholly unacceptable and inconsistent with his status and obligations as a freeman of the City of London.
“In the circumstances, and in solidarity with Epstein’s victims and survivors, the court wishes to remove Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s freedom consistent with decisions already taken by His Majesty the King and other military and civil bodies to strip him of his offices and honours.”
The motion ended with the City Corporation noting their thoughts “remain firmly with the victims and survivors of Jeffrey Epstein and all victims of sexual abuse and exploitation”.
The honour - which is believed to have begun in 1237 and enabled recipients to carry out their trade - is typically awarded to people nominated by corporation councillors and all of Andrew's siblings have the freedom of the City of London, as do the likes of Sir Lenny Henry and Cate Blanchett.
Andrew was stripped from the Freedom of the City of York back in 2022.
Despite his arrest, the former prince has not been charged with any offence and has denied wrongdoing.