Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor will retain the historic Freedom of the City of London honour after officials confirmed the centuries-old title cannot legally be removed when granted through inheritance.
The decision follows a formal review by the City of London Corporation amid ongoing controversy linked to the former prince’s past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The honour, awarded in 2012, was granted to Mountbatten-Windsor through “patrimony”, a hereditary route that allows descendants of existing Freemen to inherit the title.
Officials say that legal structure means the award cannot be withdrawn, even after renewed scrutiny surrounding the royal’s public conduct and past role as a UK trade envoy.
Why is Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor keeping the Freedom of the City of London?
The City of London Corporation reviewed its rules after public pressure and political debate surrounding Mountbatten-Windsor’s remaining honours.
Officials concluded that Freedoms granted by patrimony are effectively legal rights, rather than honours awarded by council vote.
A spokesperson for the corporation said, “Applications via patrimony are not considered by our elected members.
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.”
Because the title came through his father, Prince Philip, who was already a Freeman of the City, councillors never formally voted on Mountbatten-Windsor’s admission. That procedural difference prevents the authority from revoking it.
What exactly is the Freedom of the City of London?
The Freedom of the City of London is one of Britain’s oldest civic honours, dating back to the 13th century. Originally, it granted practical privileges to merchants and guild members living in the City. Today, the honour is largely ceremonial.
Famous traditional privileges include:
- The symbolic right to drive sheep across London Bridge
- Entry into certain historic guild traditions
- Formal recognition by the City’s governing body
Over time, the honour has been awarded to many figures who contributed to British culture and public life.
Notable recipients of the honour
| Recipient | Profession | Year Granted |
|---|---|---|
| Sir Ian McKellen | Actor | 2014 |
| Colin Firth | Actor | 2012 |
| Judi Dench | Actress | 2010 |
Most modern recipients receive the honour through nomination by councillors, which means those awards can potentially be revoked.
Mountbatten-Windsor’s case differs because his status came through inheritance rather than nomination.
What investigations currently involve Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor?
The controversy around the former prince intensified earlier this year after police arrested him in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Investigators are examining claims that he may have shared sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein during his tenure as a UK trade envoy.
Police actions reportedly included:
- 11 hours of questioning in custody
- Searches at properties linked to him, including:
- Sandringham Estate in Norfolk
- Royal Lodge in Windsor, Berkshire
Mountbatten-Windsor has strongly denied any wrongdoing.
Meanwhile, ministers have agreed to release files linked to his appointment as trade envoy, though the government told MPs that material tied to ongoing police inquiries cannot yet be published.
Could Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor lose other royal privileges?
Although the City of London honour will remain, Mountbatten-Windsor has already lost several royal roles.
Following the Epstein scandal, Queen Elizabeth II stripped him of military affiliations and royal patronages, and he stopped using the HRH title in an official capacity.
There are also ongoing discussions in Westminster about his position in the royal line of succession.
Reports suggest Prince William has privately expressed frustration that the issue has not yet been resolved. Government ministers are currently considering legal mechanisms that could alter succession rules if required.
Why does the decision matter for the City of London?
The case highlights the complex legal status of historic civic honours in Britain. Because many traditions date back centuries, modern authorities sometimes lack the legal powers to reverse them, even when public opinion shifts.
Legal experts say the decision underscores a wider challenge:
- Ceremonial traditions often operate under ancient charters
- Some honours function as legal rights rather than discretionary awards
- Changing those rules could require legislative reform
