City of London Corporation Approves Process to Remove Honours

The City of London Corporation has formally adopted a method for revoking the Freedom of the City of London honour. This decision by the corporation's court of common council, its primary decision-making body, grants the court the authority to remove the honour from individuals. Previously, the corporation stated it lacked the power to strip recipients of the title.

Legal Review Leads to New Process

The establishment of this new process follows a legal assessment that identified no effective lawful means to rescind the honour. Under the new system, each case will be evaluated based on its specific circumstances and legal standing. The individual concerned will be notified and given an opportunity to submit written representations before a final determination is made, according to the City of London Corporation.

The corporation has instructed officials to initiate steps to lawfully remove the honour from Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. This action comes after the corporation criticised him in May for not relinquishing his Freedom of the City of London despite requests.

Consideration for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor inherited his Freedom of the City of London by patrimony in 2012. It is understood that the proposal to remove this honour from him will be presented to the court of common council for a decision in December.

Chris Hayward, policy chairman of the City of London Corporation, stated that the approved process ensures future decisions about removing the honour will be made fairly, transparently, and in accordance with the law. He added that appropriate safeguards are in place for all parties. Mr Hayward confirmed that the process would be followed with urgency in relation to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's Freedom.