Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor faces loss of his last honor

The City of London Corporation wants to secure the right to strip Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (66) of one of his last remaining honors. According to its own statements, the administration of London's financial district is working on a procedure that would make it possible to revoke the honorary citizenship "Freedom of the City of London" in the first place. So far, there is no legal basis for this. Among others, "The Standard" reports on this.

"We are developing a procedure that would allow the 'Freedom of the City of London' to be withdrawn where appropriate, having determined that there is currently no effective legal mechanism for doing so", a spokesman for the Corporation said.

If the elected members approve the new procedure, they would then decide whether to remove the honor from the brother of King Charles III (77). The authority's thoughts remain with the victims and survivors of Jeffrey Epstein (1953-2019), it was further stated.

Reprimand as early as May

Pressure on the authority has been mounting for months. In May, the Court of Common Council passed a reprimand expressing "deep disappointment" that Andrew had not returned his honorary citizenship despite being asked to do so.

At the same time, the highest decision-making body noted that it lacked the authority: the "Freedom" is not an honor or office, but a property right protected by national law and the European Convention on Human Rights.

Incidentally, Andrew obtained this civil right without any effort of his own. He inherited it through his father Prince Philip (1921-2021). The tradition itself dates back to 1237. Originally, the "Freedom" allowed its recipients to practice a trade in the City. Today it is also awarded for services to London or for outstanding achievements.

Andrew already stands without titles anyway. King Charles stripped his brother of titles, forms of address and honors at the end of last year after new details about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein became known. He has since been forbidden to call himself either Prince or Duke of York.