The Duke of York, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has voluntarily surrendered his firearms certificate and handed over his guns to police. The 65-year-old's licence was reviewed by specialist officers who visited his home at Royal Lodge in Windsor.
Police Request Leads to Surrender
On Wednesday, 19 November, firearms licensing officers from the Metropolitan Police attended an address in Windsor. They requested that a man in his sixties – confirmed to be the former prince – voluntarily surrender his firearms and shotgun certificate. He agreed to the request.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson stated: “The certificate was surrendered, and we will not be commenting any further at this stage.” Gun licences in the UK are subject to regular review and can be revoked if the holder's circumstances change or if there are public safety concerns.
According to reports, the conditions of the surrender mean Andrew can now only use or transport shotguns if he is accompanied.
Background of Ongoing Controversy
This development follows years of intense scrutiny over Andrew's association with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Earlier this year, the former prince was stripped of his remaining royal titles and military affiliations.
The pressure intensified following the publication of extracts from the posthumous memoir of Virginia Giuffre, a victim of Epstein. In the book, Giuffre alleged that Andrew considered it his “birthright” to sleep with her. Andrew has repeatedly and vigorously denied all allegations made against him.
Met Police Conclude Probe
Earlier this month, the Metropolitan Police announced it would take no further action against Andrew after an assessment. The force stated its review “has not revealed any additional evidence of criminal acts or misconduct” and would not open a criminal investigation.
Central Specialist Crime Commander Ella Marriott said: “The Met remains committed to thoroughly assessing any new information... To date, we have not received any additional evidence that would support reopening the investigation.”
Despite the police concluding their probe, the release of documents related to the Epstein case continues to generate headlines. A recently revealed photograph from the US Department of Justice shows the former prince lying across the laps of five individuals at the Sandringham estate. In the image, Ghislaine Maxwell – Epstein's former girlfriend, now serving a 20-year prison sentence – looks down at a smiling Andrew.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been approached for comment regarding the surrender of his gun licence.
