The City of London Corporation has formally censured Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, for his refusal to voluntarily relinquish his Freedom of the City of London, despite being asked to do so. The motion of censure, passed by the Court of Common Council, expresses profound disappointment at Andrew's failure to respond to the Corporation's request.
Motion of Censure
The City Corporation's highest decision-making body stated that Andrew's association with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein is 'wholly unacceptable and inconsistent' with the status and obligations of a Freeman. However, it acknowledged that it lacks the legal power to remove the Freedom, as it is considered a property right protected under domestic law and the European Convention on Human Rights.
Inherited Freedom
Andrew inherited the Freedom of the City in 2012 through patrimony, as the son of Prince Philip, who was awarded the honour in 1948. The Freedom, a centuries-old tradition, allows recipients to walk sheep over London Bridge and is typically granted to individuals for outstanding contributions to public life.
The court has instructed officers to initiate proceedings to lawfully revoke the Freedom. In its full motion, the court expressed dismay at Andrew's association with Epstein and his accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, and emphasised solidarity with Epstein's victims.
Broader Implications
The City Corporation's thoughts remain with the victims and survivors of sexual abuse. Andrew was arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office over allegations of sharing sensitive information with Epstein during his tenure as UK trade envoy. He has denied any wrongdoing.
Detectives from Thames Valley Police are investigating potential sexual misconduct as part of their inquiry into the wider offence of misconduct in public office, which can include a range of conduct such as sharing confidential information, financial misconduct, and sexual misconduct.
Andrew was stripped of his royal titles and military patronages by the King late last year due to his association with Epstein. He served as the UK's special representative for international trade and investment from 2001 to 2011, stepping down amid controversy over his friendship with Epstein, who died in 2019.
