In a surprising development, disgraced former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been allowed to retain one significant honour, with authorities confirming it cannot be removed despite his recent controversies. This comes after he was stripped of all his royal titles by King Charles III in October, following revelations about his association with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Arrest and Ongoing Investigations
Last month, Andrew was arrested on his 66th birthday at Wood Farm, his temporary residence on the King's Sandringham estate in Norfolk. He was detained on suspicion of misconduct in public office and held for 11 hours before being released under investigation by Thames Valley Police. The arrest stemmed from allegations that he passed confidential information to Epstein during his tenure as a British trade envoy.
The Unremovable Honour
The honour in question is the Freedom of the City of London, which Andrew received in 2012 "by virtue of patrimony." This means he inherited the status as the child of his late father, Prince Philip, who was made a Freeman of London. The City of London Corporation, responsible for administering the honour, conducted a review and concluded that freedoms granted through patrimony constitute a legal right that cannot be revoked.
The corporation stated: "We have carefully considered whether it is possible to remove a Freedom granted by patrimony and understand that we are not able to do so." They emphasised that applications via patrimony are not reviewed by elected members, making the honour particularly resistant to removal.
Ceremonial Significance and Historical Context
The Freedom of the City of London is largely ceremonial, awarded to individuals nominated by corporation councillors. Recent recipients include astronaut Major Tim Peake and comedian Sir Lenny Henry. Historically, the honour grants recipients the quirky privilege of walking sheep over London Bridge, though this is rarely exercised in modern times.
Contrast with Other Stripped Honours
This retention stands in stark contrast to Andrew's other losses. In 2022, he was stripped of the freedom of York due to his relationship with Epstein. Additionally, the government is reportedly considering new legislation to remove him from the line of succession, which would see him lose his place as eighth in line to the throne.
Local Backlash and Plaque Controversy
In further humiliation, councillors and residents in York are calling for a plaque on the city's Millennium Bridge to be removed or altered. The plaque, unveiled by Andrew in 2001, reads: 'This plaque was unveiled by His Royal Highness The Duke of York, CVO, ADC.'
One local resident remarked: "Rip it down and stick it in a skip." Another suggested: "Don't waste money altering it." Council chiefs are currently weighing options, with changes not subject to planning requirements, indicating swift action is likely.
Legal and Symbolic Implications
The situation highlights the complex interplay between hereditary rights and public accountability. While Andrew faces mounting legal and social pressures, the inherited nature of the Freedom of the City of London provides a rare instance where tradition appears to override contemporary scrutiny. This has sparked discussions about the permanence of certain honours versus the flexibility to revoke them in cases of misconduct.
Andrew has not been charged with any offences and has consistently denied wrongdoing related to Epstein. However, the ongoing investigations and public outcry continue to shadow his legacy, making this retained honour a symbolic anomaly in his otherwise diminished status.
