It's no secret that over the past few years, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has lost everything from royal duties, military roles, his longterm home and most of his titles over — but there is one remaining honour that is still technically his. A title, as it were, that it turns out not even King Charles can take it away.
A review has confirmed that Andrew will keep his Freedom of the City of London honours, despite growing pressure to remove any and all linked to the disgraced royal.
The Freedom of the City of London is an ancient tradition dating back to the Middle Ages and while it doesn't really come with any meaningful power, it's a symbolic status.
The historic recognition was given to Andrew in 2012 "by virtue of patrimony", meaning he inherited the right to it through his father, Prince Philip, who had also been a Freeman of the City.
But after scrutiny from officials, the City of London Corporation, which governs London’s financial district, often referred to as the Square Mile, has now confirmed the honour cannot be revoked under current rules, according to a BBC report. Basically, it's a very thorny legal headache.
A spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the Corporation examined “the rules dictating how a Freedom is given and the circumstances in which, and procedure by which, it can be removed”, before concluding that Andrew’s particular honour cannot be taken back.
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Because Andrew received the recognition via his father as opposed to being nominated, the rules surrounding its removal are far more complicated.
Andrew first stepped back from public duties in 2019 following intense backlash over his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Since then, he has been stripped of military titles, royal patronages and the use of His Royal Highness'.
Following Andrew's recent arrest, after which he was released under investigation for suspicion of misconduct in public office, the King issued a strong statement creating distance between himself and his brother.
The statement, shared with Cosmopolitan UK reads:
“I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.
“What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation.”
“Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.
“As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.”
Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC’s Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women’s Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
