It’s no secret that over the past few years, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has lost everything from royal duties, military roles, his longterm home and most of his titles over—but there is one remaining honor that is still technically his: a title that, it turns out, not even King Charles can take it away.
A review has confirmed that Andrew will keep his Freedom of the City of London honors, despite growing pressure to remove any and all linked to the disgraced royal.
The Freedom of the City of London is an ancient tradition dating back to the Middle Ages, and while it doesn’t really come with any meaningful power, it’s a symbolic status.
The historic recognition was given to Andrew in 2012 “by virtue of patrimony,” meaning he inherited the right to it through his father, Prince Philip, who had also been a Freeman of the City.
But after scrutiny from officials, the City of London Corporation—which governs London’s financial district, often referred to as the Square Mile—has now confirmed the honor cannot be revoked under current rules, according to a BBC report. Basically, it’s a very thorny legal headache.
A spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the Corporation examined “the rules dictating how a Freedom is given and the circumstances in which, and procedure by which, it can be removed” before concluding that Andrew’s particular honor cannot be taken back.
Max Mumby/Indigo
Because Andrew received the recognition via his father as opposed to being nominated, the rules surrounding its removal are far more complicated.
Andrew first stepped back from public duties in 2019 following intense backlash over his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Since then, he has been stripped of military titles, royal patronages, and the use of His Royal Highness.
Following Andrew’s recent arrest, after which he was released under investigation for suspicion of misconduct in public office, the King issued a strong statement creating distance between himself and his brother.
The statement read:
“I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.
“What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation.”
“Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.
“As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.”