New rule can remove Andrew's Freedom of City

A process that could strip Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor of his Freedom of the City of London has been approved, with a decision on this to be made as a "matter of urgency".

The City of London Corporation (CLC) said the organisation's main decision-making body, the court of common council, approved the measure - allowing the honour to be removed from individuals - on Thursday.

Policy chairman, Chris Hayward, said it ensured future decisions were taken fairly, transparently, and in accordance with the law, with appropriate safeguards in place for all parties involved.

The process will be considered for the disgraced former prince, who was criticised for failing to surrender his honour.

Under the new arrangements, each case is to be considered on its individual circumstances and in line with the law.

The person involved will be informed and given the opportunity to make written representations before a final decision is made.

The decision to approve the process followed a legal review, which found there had previously been no lawful mechanism for removing someone's Freedom of the City.

Hayward said: "Today, we have approved a lawful and effective process for considering whether the Freedom of the City of London should be removed from an individual.

"The process will now be followed as a matter of urgency to ensure that a decision is made in relation to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's Freedom."

Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on 19 February, his 66th birthday, on suspicion of misconduct in public office following allegations he shared sensitive information with Epstein during his time as the UK's trade envoy.

He was later stripped by the King of both his right to be a prince and his dukedom.

A decision on his Freedom of London honour is expected to be made in December.

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