Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor suffers fresh blow as action taken to strip former duke of Freedom honour

The censure motion will come before the Court of Common Council at its meeting on May 21

The City of London Corporation has decided to pursue a formal motion of censure against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor after the former prince ignored correspondence asking him to give up his Freedom of the City honour.

Corporation members wrote to Mr Mountbatten-Windsor last month requesting he voluntarily surrender the historic distinction, but received no reply.

 

Elected representatives on the Policy and Resources Committee have now resolved to table the censure motion, which represents an official expression of disapproval.

A Corporation spokesperson confirmed: “Following his failure to respond, elected members of our Policy and Resources Committee have agreed to bring forward a motion of censure a formal expression of our disapproval to the next meeting of the Court of Common Council on May 21.”

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

The City of London Corporation has decided to pursue a formal motion of censure against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor after the former prince ignored correspondence asking him to give up his Freedom of the City honour.

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Mr Mountbatten-Windsor obtained the Freedom in 2012 through patrimony, having inherited the entitlement because his father Prince Philip held Freeman status.

The Corporation, which administers the Square Mile, acknowledged in March that no effective legal route exists to strip someone of the honour.

The censure motion will come before the Court of Common Council at its meeting on May 21.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

Corporation members wrote to Mr Mountbatten-Windsor last month requesting he voluntarily surrender the historic distinction, but received no reply.

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While the Freedom traditionally permits holders to drive sheep across London Bridge, it now functions primarily as a ceremonial distinction awarded regularly to notable figures including Sir Lenny Henry and Cate Blanchett.

Unlike those nominated by Corporation councillors, Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s status as a Freeman’s child meant his entitlement constituted a legal right rather than a discretionary award.

King Charles removed Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s royal titles, styles and honours last year following fresh revelations about his connections to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

The former prince was taken into custody in February, spending 11 hours in police detention before being released under investigation.

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The former prince was taken into custody in February, spending 11 hours in police detention before being released under investigation.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor denies any wrongdoing.

The Corporation spokesperson added: “There is currently no effective legal mechanism to remove a Freedom. Our thoughts remain firmly with the victims and survivors of Jeffrey Epstein and all victims of sexual abuse and exploitation.”