Andrew Asked to Relinquish Freedom of the City of London Honour

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor has been formally invited to give up his Freedom of the City of London, an honorary title he received in 2012. The request follows a decision by elected members of the City of London Corporation, who agreed to write to him asking that he voluntarily relinquish the honour.

The title was originally granted “by virtue of patrimony,” meaning it was inherited through his father, Prince Philip, who was also a Freeman. Historically, the Freedom of the City carried symbolic privileges, such as the right to move livestock across London Bridge without charge, though today it is largely ceremonial.

Officials have clarified that there is no straightforward legal mechanism to revoke honours granted through inheritance, which is why the Corporation has opted to request that Andrew relinquish the title himself. The matter will be reviewed again once a response is received, if any, before further action is considered.

The development comes amid ongoing public scrutiny surrounding the former royal’s status and honours. Calls have been made in recent years for various titles and recognitions to be reconsidered, reflecting shifting public expectations around accountability.

The City of London Corporation emphasized that applications granted through patrimony are not subject to approval by elected members, limiting their ability to directly intervene. The situation highlights the complexities involved in managing historical honours within modern governance frameworks.