City of London Approves Andrew Honor Removal Process
City of London Approves Andrew Honor Removal Process
Anonymous
Key Points
1
The Court of Common Council approved an Act of Common Council, giving it the formal power to remove a Freedom of the City from an individual; the corporation had previously said it lacked that power.
2
Andrew inherited the freedom in 2012 through patrimony, as the child of a freeman; the honour is described as one of his last remaining public honours.
3
The corporation passed a formal motion of censure in May, expressing “profound disappointment” that Andrew had not surrendered the freedom after being asked to do so.
4
City policy chairman Chris Hayward said the new procedure was intended to ensure future decisions were made “fairly, transparently, and in accordance with the law,” with safeguards for all parties.
5
The corporation said it was acting with the interests of victims and survivors of Jeffrey Epstein and of sexual abuse and exploitation in mind, and concluded that creating its own lawful process would be faster than seeking a separate Act of Parliament.
The City of London Corporation has approved a formal process to remove the Freedom of the City of London from individuals, clearing the way to strip Prince Andrew of the honor. The BBC reports that the Court of Common Council voted to adopt the new rule after concluding it lacked an effective existing mechanism to revoke the civic honor. Andrew inherited the freedom in 2012 through his parent's status as a freeman.
The corporation censured Andrew in May for refusing to voluntarily surrender the freedom, citing his association with Jeffrey Epstein and sexual abuse allegations. Yahoo News reports that a final decision to strip him of the honor could come within months, after Andrew is notified and given a chance to submit written statements. The new process ensures decisions are made fairly and in accordance with the law, according to City officials.
How the City Created Its New Removal Power
The City of London Corporation previously stated it had no lawful way to revoke the Freedom of the City once granted. IBTimes reports that a legal review changed this approach. The Court of Common Council approved an Act of Common Council that now gives the corporation formal power to remove the honor in exceptional cases. This path proved faster than seeking approval from Parliament.
Andrew's Refusal Prompted the Corporation's Action
In May 2024, the City of London passed a motion of censure against Andrew, expressing "profound disappointment" that he had refused requests to surrender the freedom. The BBC notes that the corporation cited Epstein and sexual abuse allegations as reasons for its concern. City policy chairman Chris Hayward emphasized that the new procedure protects all parties through transparency and lawful safeguards. Andrew will receive formal notification and a chance to respond in writing before any final vote.
Final Decision Expected Before Year-End
Andrew's case is expected to return for final consideration in December 2024, according to Yahoo News. The City of London Corporation stated its decision is motivated by concern for victims and survivors of Jeffrey Epstein and sexual abuse. By creating its own lawful process rather than waiting for Parliament, the corporation accelerated a timeline that could have taken years. The stripped honor would eliminate one of Andrew's last remaining public titles.
Sentiment
Mostly NegativeNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
15
Articles
9
Reach
24
A
AnonymousAuthor
