The City of London Corporation has approved a new procedure that could strip Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Prince Andrew, of the honorary title Freedom of the City of London, BBC News reported.
The procedure was approved on Thursday by the Court of Common Council, the corporation's main governing body. It would allow the removal of the honor from Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the younger brother of King Charles III.
Chris Hayward, the corporation's policy chairman, said the new procedure would ensure that future decisions are made fairly, transparently and in accordance with the law, with proper safeguards for all parties involved. He said no legal mechanism had previously existed for removing the honor from anyone, and that the process would now begin urgently.
Arrest and allegations
The former Prince Andrew was arrested on 19 February, his 66th birthday, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest followed allegations that he shared confidential information with the financier Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the United Kingdom's trade envoy.
A final decision on whether he will lose the Freedom of the City of London is expected in December.
What is the Freedom of the City of London?
The Freedom of the City of London is one of the oldest traditions associated with the City of London Corporation, the local authority for the historic financial district known as the City. It dates back to 1237, when the status of a "freeman" gave the holder the right to trade within the City and guaranteed independence from feudal lords.
Today the title carries no practical privileges. It is granted as a symbolic honor recognizing outstanding achievement or service.
Congressman's accusations
The development follows accusations made by a United States congressman, who said the former Prince Andrew had committed sexual crimes on American soil. Republican congressman Thomas Massie made the claim during a speech in the U.S. House of Representatives, in which he called for accountability for associates of Epstein, the financier convicted on sex trafficking charges.
