The City of London Corporation is now working on a draft bill that could allow it to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's Freedom of the City of London, a stark reversal from its previous position that the honour could not be revoked.
Background on the Freedom
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor received the Freedom in 2012 via patrimony from his father, Prince Philip, who was a Freeman. The honour has come under scrutiny following revelations about the former prince's association with convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
In February 2025, Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Epstein while serving as the UK's trade envoy. He spent 11 hours in custody and was released under investigation. He has denied any wrongdoing. King Charles also stripped him of his royal titles, styles, and honours last year.
Corporation's Changing Stance
In March, a Corporation spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that the Freedom could not be removed. However, after months of growing pressure, members voted in May to investigate how to revoke it.
Now, legal chiefs are developing a process to allow removal “where appropriate, having determined that there is currently no effective lawful mechanism to do so,” a spokesperson said.
Legal Process Underway
At a Court of Common Council meeting on July 23, Deputy Marianne Fredericks sought an update. Policy Chair Deputy Chris Hayward, effectively the political head of the Corporation, reported that the Comptroller and City Solicitor and City Remembrancer have produced a draft legal opinion. The “provisional gist” is that the current disenfranchisement process is “defective and defunct.”
Deputy Hayward explained that the Court could pass an Act of Common Council to “confer the power of disenfranchisement on itself.” Other options are also being explored. The draft opinion and a bill will go before the Policy and Resources Committee in September, then to the Court in October. If passed, a further report in the “following cycle” would allow removal of Mountbatten-Windsor's Freedom.
Deputy Hayward cautioned: “The City Solicitor and the Remembrancer have both asked me to point out that this is a substantial piece of work with significant constitutional implications which need to be carefully considered by members, to ensure that the new process is, as far as possible, lawful and workable with no unintended consequences.”
Next Steps and Reactions
Deputy Fredericks welcomed the update but urged pace. Deputy Hayward agreed to share a month-by-month timeline. A Corporation press officer said no details on timing are available, as the timeline depends on the procedure adopted.
A Corporation spokesperson stated: “We understand why people want this matter resolved as quickly as possible, and we share that desire. The fastest and most appropriate approach is to put in place a lawful process that allows the City Corporation to make these decisions itself, rather than seeking legislation through Parliament. We are progressing that work and, if elected members approve the new process, they will then be able to consider whether Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's Freedom should be removed.”
The Corporation added that its thoughts remain with the victims and survivors of Epstein and all victims of sexual abuse.
