Former Prince Andrew has lost several royal titles and public duties in recent years. However, one honor connected to his past role remains. Reports say he still holds the historic Freedom of the City of London, a recognition that dates back centuries. The title has remained in place mainly because of the legal rules governing its original grant.
Ex-Prince Andrew retains Freedom of the City of London despite scandal, per report
The development comes after Andrew, now 66, saw many of his royal patronages and ceremonial responsibilities removed by King Charles III last year following renewed scrutiny of his connection to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew received the Freedom of the City of London in 2012. Unlike many recipients, however, the recognition did not come through a formal nomination or appointment. Instead, the title passed to him “by virtue of patrimony,” meaning he inherited the status through his father, Prince Philip, who also held the distinction.
The City of London Corporation, which governs London’s financial district, has confirmed that the legal rules behind the award stop officials from taking it away. Sources familiar with discussions about Andrew’s remaining honors said some observers initially expected the Freedom of the City to disappear along with his other titles.
“When Andrew was stripped of his royal patronages and ceremonial roles, many people naturally assumed that every remaining distinction linked to his name would follow the same path,” one insider explained.
However, when officials began examining the regulations governing the Freedom of the City, they discovered that the situation was far more complex than anticipated. Because Andrew inherited the honor rather than receiving it through the standard nomination process, it falls under a different legal category.
Another source familiar with the City of London’s procedures said officials carefully checked the rules to see if they could remove the title. The source said, “What seemed at first like a straightforward question – whether the honor could be withdrawn – quickly turned into an administrative maze.”
Originally reported by Khushali Srivastava on Reality Tea.
