Ex-Prince Andrew may lose another ceremonial honor. Officials may request the fallen royal relinquish his Freedom of the City of London recognition.
His brother, King Charles, stripped the ex-Duke of his titles and royal responsibilities last October. Andrew’s alleged links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein precipitated this move.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is facing mounting pressure over the title
Andrew is being pressured to give up this honor, Radar reports. He inherited the Freedom of the City of London in 2012 through his father, Prince Philip.
The City of London Corporation is sending Andrew a written request so he will voluntarily give up the honor. This follows a March review that revealed it cannot be legally revoked.
“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,” according to a City of London Corporation spokesperson. “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.”
The spokesperson revealed, “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.”
A source noted, “There is a clear feeling that continuing to hold this honor is no longer appropriate given the circumstances.” The honor cannot be stripped, so the hopes are he will voluntarily “step aside voluntarily to avoid further reputational damage to the institution,” said the source.
The Freedom of the City of London formerly allowed designees to trade in London. It is now more ceremonial and bestowed on those chosen by corporation councilors. Along with Andrew’s siblings, public figures hold the designation.
According to one insider, it’s “more about optics. The honor carries a sense of prestige and public trust. There is concern that its association with Andrew undermines that in the current climate.”
TELL US – WILL ANDREW VOLUNTARILY RELINQUISH THE FREEDOM OF THE CITY OF LONDON RECOGNITION?
