Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the disgraced former prince, is reportedly set to receive a royal ceremonial funeral despite his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The arrangement is part of the government's secret 'bridge' plans, which prepare for the deaths of Royal Family members well in advance, according to the Mail on Sunday.
Secret government list includes Andrew
Andrew remains on a confidential government list of royals who will receive high-profile funerals, even though he became a private citizen following revelations about his friendship with Epstein. The plans, which are designed to ensure smooth proceedings upon a royal's death, include Andrew despite his stripped titles and military roles.
Royal experts speculate that Andrew's funeral would be held at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, the same venue that hosted the funerals of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. The 14th-century chapel also saw the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in 2018. It is thought Andrew might be buried at the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore, a 33-acre private cemetery in Home Park, Windsor, where other controversial royal figures, including King Edward VIII, who abdicated in 1936, are buried.
King Charles stripped titles in 2022
King Charles stripped Andrew of his HRH style and prince title in November last year after further revelations about his links to Epstein. The move came after Andrew's disastrous Newsnight interview in 2019, which failed to quell public outrage over his association with the disgraced financier.
US lawyer Gloria Allred, who has represented 27 of Epstein's victims, condemned the plan. She said: 'Andrew has brought disgrace upon the Royal Family and the UK as a result of his involvement with Jeffrey Epstein. Under these circumstances, the question arises as to why this man should be afforded the honour of a royal funeral. What kind of message would such a ceremony send to Epstein's victims?'
Allred also questioned the use of public funds, adding: 'Additionally, why should UK taxpayers bear the burden of paying his expenses either in life or after his death?'
Lawyers and politicians voice outrage
US lawyer Spencer Kuvin, who represented nine of Epstein's victims, echoed these sentiments. He said: 'Taxpayers should not ever be funding a funeral for a private individual. No public money should be used to benefit him during death. It's an embarrassment to the Crown.'
The controversy has also sparked political anger. Alicia Kearns, Tory shadow Home Office minister, said: 'There are no circumstances under which Andrew should be afforded a royal funeral. He should live out his days far from public life, and the police and CPS should ensure their investigations into him are robust and don't drag on. All such plans should be revoked immediately.'
Pallbearer question arises
One issue Andrew will have to consider in planning his funeral is who will act as pallbearers. Servicemen from regiments associated with members of the Royal Family normally have the honour of carrying the coffin. Andrew served in the Royal Navy, including during the Falklands War, and was honorary colonel of the Grenadier Guards, the Royal Irish Regiment, and the Royal Regiment of Scotland. However, he lost his military titles over the Epstein scandal.
Retired Rear Admiral Chris Parry, who captained HMS Fearless, said he believed the Navy would ask for volunteers. He said: 'The guy doesn't relinquish being a naval officer. He wasn't thrown out. He had a Falklands medal and you can't take that away from him and he deserves the credit for that. If somebody said to me "Would you do it?", I'd do it.'
Andrew has repeatedly denied all allegations against him. The Cabinet Office and Buckingham Palace declined to comment. Mountbatten-Windsor did not respond to a request for comment.
