Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is set to retain one of his few remaining honors after a comprehensive review concluded it cannot be legally removed. The disgraced former prince received the Freedom of the City of London in 2012 through inheritance from his father, Prince Philip, who was also a Freeman.
Legal Right Through Patrimony
A spokesperson for the City of London Corporation, which governs London's historic Square Mile, confirmed to the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the honor cannot be 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," the spokesperson stated.
The Corporation had been examining whether the Freedom could be removed following revelations about Mountbatten-Windsor's connections to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. However, after careful consideration, officials determined that honors granted through patrimony cannot be rescinded under current regulations.
Background of the Controversy
Last year, King Charles stripped his brother of all royal titles, styles, and honors after additional details emerged about his relationship with Epstein. The situation intensified in February when Mountbatten-Windsor was dramatically arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Authorities accused him of sharing sensitive information with Epstein while serving as the UK's trade envoy.
After spending eleven hours in custody, he was released under investigation. Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing throughout these proceedings.
How the Freedom Works
The Freedom of the City of London, while largely ceremonial today, carries historical significance and certain privileges, including the traditional right to drive sheep over London Bridge. Typically, the honor is awarded to individuals nominated by Corporation councillors, but inheritance through patrimony represents a distinct pathway.
"Applications via patrimony are not considered by our elected Members," the Corporation spokesperson explained. "We have carefully considered whether it is possible to remove a Freedom granted by patrimony and understand that we are not able to do so."
Recent Recipients and Nominations
In recent years, notable figures including comedian Sir Lenny Henry and actress Cate Blanchett have received the Freedom through the standard nomination process. The honor continues to be awarded regularly despite its ceremonial nature.
Previous reporting by the Local Democracy Reporting Service revealed that Deputy Keith Bottomley, who now also serves as a Sheriff, appeared to nominate his own partner for the honor. A Corporation spokesperson clarified at the time that Common Councilmen and Aldermen "may nominate anyone whom they consider suitable to receive the Freedom of the City of London."
The Mountbatten-Windsor case highlights the complex intersection of historical traditions, legal rights, and contemporary standards for public figures. While the former prince has lost numerous honors and titles, this particular recognition remains protected by inheritance rules that the City of London Corporation says it cannot override.
