The Duke of York, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, faces the potential loss of his last remaining honour, the Freedom of the City of London, in a dramatic continuation of his royal downfall.
A Final Honour Under Scrutiny
This development comes just weeks after Andrew was stripped of all his royal titles, styles, and honours in a move that marked one of the most significant royal demotions in modern history. The latest honour in question is the Freedom of the City of London, one of the world's oldest traditional civic awards.
This unique honour grants the holder specific, if rarely used, privileges. These include the right to drive sheep across London Bridge and to carry a ceremonial sword within the city. The honour was inherited by Andrew through a process known as patrimony, due to his father, Prince Philip, also being a Freeman.
The City's Response and Potential Removal
Following the controversy surrounding Andrew, the City of London Corporation has confirmed it is reviewing the situation. A spokesperson stated, "The City Corporation is listening, and will continue to listen, to concerns raised."
The spokesperson added that the organisation would "carefully consider the rules that govern how a Freedom is given - and the circumstances in which, and procedure by which, it can be removed." Applications via patrimony, like Andrew's, are not typically considered by elected members, making any potential removal a notable procedural step.
The Wider Fall from Grace
The potential loss of this honour represents another symbolic blow for the King's brother. His removal from public royal life has been comprehensive. He has already been stripped of his military affiliations and royal patronages and is set to lose his residence at Royal Lodge.
The 65-year-old is expected to move to a property on King Charles' private Sandringham estate. These sweeping changes follow the long-standing controversies concerning Andrew's past association with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew has consistently denied all allegations made against him.
