The City of London Corporation has formally censured Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor for failing to surrender his Freedom of the City of London, despite being requested to do so. The motion of censure, passed on Thursday by the Court of Common Council, expresses profound disapproval over his continued association with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Background of the Censure
The City Corporation’s highest decision-making body stated that Andrew’s association with Epstein is “wholly unacceptable and inconsistent” with the status and obligations of a Freeman of the City of London. The court noted its “profound disappointment” that Andrew has not surrendered his Freedom despite being asked.
The City Corporation lacks the power to unilaterally remove Andrew’s Freedom, as it is considered a property right protected under domestic law and the European Convention on Human Rights, rather than an honour or office. However, the court has instructed officers to commence proceedings to lawfully revoke the Freedom.
Inherited Freedom and Legal Context
Andrew inherited the Freedom of the City of London in 2012 by patrimony, as the son of Prince Philip, who was awarded the Freedom in 1948. The motion highlights that the court wishes to remove his Freedom in solidarity with Epstein’s victims and survivors, consistent with decisions by the King and other bodies to strip him of offices and honours.
The full motion states: “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.”
Broader Implications
Andrew was arrested in February on his 66th birthday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, following allegations that he shared sensitive information with Epstein during his tenure as UK trade envoy. The King stripped him of his right to be a prince and his dukedom late last year over his association with Epstein.
The City of London Corporation, governing body of the Square Mile, emphasised that its thoughts remain with the victims and survivors of Epstein and all victims of sexual abuse and exploitation. The Freedom of the City, an ancient tradition dating back to 1237, originally allowed recipients to carry out their trade. It can be inherited, applied for, or awarded to honour significant contributions to London or public life.
