Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's funeral arrangements have reportedly remained unchanged despite the former Duke of York being stripped of his royal titles and official status. The 66-year-old is still in line for a full royal ceremonial funeral, according to claims published by the Mail on Sunday, despite losing his titles and being removed from the working Royal Family.
Commentators call plans 'preposterous'
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams has described the prospect as “clearly preposterous”, arguing that arrangements for the former prince appear not to have been updated. Speaking to GB News, royal historian Rafe Heydel-Mankoo suggested the issue was unlikely to be addressed in the immediate future, given Mr Mountbatten-Windsor is 11 years younger than King Charles.
He said decisions over the former duke’s funeral were unlikely to be made until the accession of Prince William, adding that the future King had taken a particularly hard line towards his uncle.
Background of the title removal
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s royal status was dramatically downgraded last year after King Charles stripped him of his remaining titles and ordered him to stop using his former royal designation. The move followed renewed scrutiny surrounding his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after the US Department of Justice released a tranche of documents relating to the disgraced financier.
He had previously been stripped of his military affiliations and royal patronages by the late Queen Elizabeth II following allegations made against him by Virginia Giuffre. Ms Giuffre accused Mr Mountbatten-Windsor of sexually assaulting her when she was 17. He denied the allegations and settled a civil case brought by her out of court without admitting liability.
Legal and personal developments
Earlier this year, Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested by Thames Valley Police on suspicion of misconduct in public office dating back to his time as the UK's trade envoy. He was later released under investigation. He has repeatedly denied all wrongdoing.
The former prince was also forced to leave Royal Lodge, his Windsor home for more than two decades, and subsequently moved to Marsh Farm on the King's Sandringham Estate.
Military service and public opinion
Despite his fall from royal favour, commentators have pointed to his military service when discussing what a funeral ceremony could entail. Mr Fitzwilliams told the People’s Channel that any ceremony could include recognition of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s service during the Falklands War, when he served as a Royal Navy helicopter co-pilot aboard HMS Invincible.
However, he argued that a royal funeral would be inappropriate given the former duke is now a private citizen. “The idea he should be offered a royal funeral is clearly preposterous as he has been stripped of his royal titles,” Mr Fitzwilliams said. “This is an issue where plans have very clearly not been updated.”
He also pointed to Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s exceptionally low public standing, noting that he received just 2% in YouGov’s latest popularity polling. “Taxpayers will emphatically not wish to be involved in any such event as he is a private citizen,” Mr Fitzwilliams added.
Buckingham Palace and the Cabinet Office declined to comment on the reported funeral arrangements. Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has been approached for comment.
