Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to Retain City of London Freedom Honour Amid Epstein Scandal
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is set to keep the Freedom of the City of London honour, following a comprehensive review that concluded the historic award cannot be legally revoked. This decision comes despite the former prince being stripped of his royal titles due to his association with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, making it one of the few remaining honours he still holds.
Honour Granted by Patrimony in 2012
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor originally received the honour in 2012 through a process known as "virtue of patrimony," which allowed him to inherit the status because his father, Prince Phillip, was a Freeman. Typically, the Freedom is awarded to individuals nominated by corporation councillors for their contributions to London or public life, with notable recipients including Sir Ian McKellen, Colin Firth, and Dame Judi Dench. The honour carries ceremonial privileges, such as the right to walk sheep over London Bridge, though it is largely symbolic in modern times.
Legal Review Confirms Irrevocable Status
The City of London Corporation, which bestows the honour, conducted a thorough examination of the rules governing its removal. A spokesperson for the authority confirmed to the Local Democracy Service that, after careful consideration, they determined the honour cannot be taken back because it constitutes a legal right inherited through patrimony. The corporation stated: "Applications via patrimony are not considered by our elected members. 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."
Background of Scandal and Legal Issues
This development occurs against a backdrop of ongoing controversy surrounding Mr Mountbatten-Windsor. In February, he was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office following allegations that he shared sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein during his tenure as a trade envoy. He spent approximately 11 hours in custody as police conducted searches at his home on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk and his former residence, Royal Lodge in Windsor, Berkshire.
Additionally, ministers have agreed to release files related to his appointment to the trade envoy role, with reports describing him as "a rude, arrogant and entitled man." However, MPs were informed that the government cannot publish material needed for police inquiries until officers are satisfied with the investigation's progress.
Royal Family Dynamics and Succession
The King announced last October that he would strip his brother Andrew of his royal titles, a move that has sparked further discussions within the monarchy. Prince William reportedly advocated for his uncle to be removed from the line of royal succession in the autumn, alongside the stripping of his other titles. The Prince of Wales is said to be frustrated that the process of his uncle’s removal from the line to the British throne, which the government is now evaluating, was not resolved at the time.
Throughout these allegations, the former prince has consistently and vehemently denied any wrongdoing. The retention of the Freedom of the City of London honour highlights the complex interplay between historical legal rights and contemporary scandals, underscoring the challenges in revoking inherited privileges even amid public outcry.
