According to the BBC, a new bill is being drafted to strip Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor of the Freedom of the City of London, his final remaining civic honour, after the City of London Corporation determined there was no existing lawful mechanism to revoke the title. The former prince, previously known as the Duke of York, lost all other royal and civilian titles following his arrest in February.
Legislative Push to Remove the Freedom of the City
Lawmakers are actively moving to strip Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor of the Freedom of the City of London through custom legislation. According to the BBC, the governing body of the ceremonial county stated there was “no effective lawful mechanism to do so” initially, prompting councillors to invite the former royal to relinquish the honour voluntarily.
When that request failed to yield a voluntary surrender, officials began drafting a specific bill to strip him of the status. A spokesperson for the City of London Corporation said, “We understand why people want this matter resolved as quickly as possible, and we share that desire.” Mountbatten-Windsor originally received the civic honour through his father, Prince Philip, who also held the distinction.
Arrest and Epstein Document Fallout
The legislative effort follows Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest earlier this year on suspicion of misconduct in public office. According to investigative findings, law enforcement took the former prince into custody following the public release of millions of documents connected to convicted sex offender and paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, who died by suicide in a prison cell in 2019.
The released files highlighted a close relationship between Mountbatten-Windsor and Epstein. Furthermore, the documents suggested the former prince shared confidential information while operating as a trade envoy for the United Kingdom. Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied all wrongdoing related to these allegations.
The Freedom of the City of London is a title Mountbatten-Windsor held, which he received through his father, Prince Phillip.
Broader Royal Fallout and Loss of Privileges
The impending loss of his final civic honour caps a sweeping removal of titles and residences for Mountbatten-Windsor. Following his February arrest, he was stripped of every royal title and civilian honour he held. In addition, he was evicted from the Royal Lodge and relocated to a house located on the King’s Sandringham Estate.
His ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, has also faced significant public scrutiny and hostility due to her historical relationship with Epstein. Ferguson has similarly been evicted from properties and stripped of several titles. Meanwhile, their daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie, retain their status as princesses.
Mountbatten-Windsor’s association with Epstein has drawn intense public scrutiny for years. The scandal deepened significantly after a heavily criticized television interview in which the former prince admitted to visiting the financier after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for sex crimes involving a minor. Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s victims, had accused Mountbatten-Windsor of sexual abuse when she was a teenager. Giuffre died by suicide in April of last year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s final remaining title?
According to the BBC, his final remaining honour is the Freedom of the City of London, which the City of London Corporation is now drafting a bill to revoke.
Why was Mountbatten-Windsor arrested?
According to official reports, he was taken into custody on suspicion of misconduct in public office following the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein.
Where does Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor live now?
Following his eviction from the Royal Lodge, he currently resides in a house on the King’s Sandringham Estate.
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