Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been urged to surrender one of his final remaining honours over his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Elected members of the City of London Corporation have agreed to write to the former Duke of York, inviting him to relinquish his freedom of the city. The former Prince, 66, received the honour in 2012, but due to a legal loophole, it has not been removed before now.
In a statement released on Thursday, a spokesperson said: “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.
“Elected members have today agreed to write to Mr Mountbatten-Windsor, inviting him to formally relinquish the freedom. They will consider the response received, if any, at a future meeting and determine what action may be taken.”
Andrew was stripped of his remaining titles by his brother, King Charles, last October.
What is the Freedom of the City of London?
One of the City of London’s ancient traditions, the freedom is believed to have begun in 1237 and enabled recipients to carry out their trade. Typically, the honour is awarded to people nominated by corporation councillors.
The ancient honour has previously been presented to royals and sports stars, such as Sir Lenny Henry and Cate Blanchett. It is largely ceremonial and allows recipients a “sense of belonging” in the city of London.
It is the highest honour the City of London can bestow, though anyone can be nominated. One of the more unusual benefits entitles recipients to walk sheep over London Bridge.
Andrew received the honour by patrimony – because his father Prince Philip was a freeman of the city. The organisation previously determined it could not be removed because of his right to inherit it from his father.
Andrew’s fall from grace
Earlier this month, Andrew moved into his new home, Marsh Farm on the Sandringham Estate, completing his exile from Royal Lodge in Windsor.
The former Duke was arrested at Wood Farm Cottage, where he was temporarily staying while Marsh Farm was renovated, in February, and was held in custody for 11 hours on his birthday.
© Samir Hussein/WireImageIt was reported earlier this week that the King may “never” speak to his brother again, saying it would take an “enormous shift” for them even to be in the same room again.
Notably, Charles has not visited Andrew in his new home in Sandringham, though their other siblings, Princess Anne and Prince Edward, have reportedly reached out to their disgraced brother.
Charles, 77, previously emphasised that he would support the police in any investigation into his brother, saying: “Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.”
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