Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Faces Call to Surrender City of London Honour
In a significant development, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been formally urged to give up one of his few remaining titles, the Freedom of the City of London, as the repercussions from his association with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein continue to unfold. Elected members of the City of London Corporation have taken the step of writing to the disgraced ex-prince, requesting that he voluntarily relinquish this honour, which he inherited through his father, the late Prince Phillip.
Inherited Title Under Scrutiny
The honour in question was granted to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in 2012 via a process known as patrimony, where it is passed down as a legal right from a parent who holds the freedom. The corporation has clarified that this inheritance was automatic and not subject to approval by elected officials, making it challenging to revoke through legal means. In a statement released on Thursday, a spokesperson emphasised that there is no effective legal mechanism to strip such a freedom, highlighting the unique nature of this title.
The spokesperson stated: "Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor received the freedom of the City of London in 2012 by virtue of patrimony, which is inherited as the child of a freeman and constitutes a legal right. Applications via patrimony are not considered or endorsed by our elected members, and there is no effective legal mechanism to remove this type of freedom."
Formal Request and Future Actions
The elected members have agreed to send a formal letter to Mr Mountbatten-Windsor, inviting him to surrender the honour. They plan to review any response he provides at a future meeting and will then decide on potential further actions. This move underscores the ongoing pressure on the ex-prince, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing in his dealings with Jeffrey Epstein, despite widespread public and institutional scrutiny.
The corporation's decision reflects broader concerns about honours and titles in the wake of scandals, as institutions grapple with balancing legal rights against ethical considerations. The fallout from the Epstein case has prompted renewed calls for accountability among high-profile figures, with this request marking a notable step in that direction.
As the situation develops, the response from Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor will be closely watched, potentially setting a precedent for how inherited honours are handled in controversial circumstances. The corporation's proactive approach signals a commitment to addressing public concerns while navigating the complexities of legal inheritance.
