In a significant development, Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, has voluntarily given up his firearms certificate following a visit from London's Metropolitan Police to his home. The move restricts his ability to use guns independently as he prepares for a major life change.
The Police Visit and Surrender
On Wednesday, 19 November, officers from the Metropolitan Police's firearms licensing unit attended an address in Windsor. The address was the Royal Lodge, the former prince's residence. The police requested that a man in his 60s—confirmed to be Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor—surrender his firearms and shotgun certificate.
A spokesperson for the force stated that the certificate was surrendered voluntarily. The police did not provide further commentary on the reasons behind the action. Surrendering a certificate does not mean an individual loses access to their firearms entirely, but it imposes strict conditions.
Implications and Upcoming Move
The decision means Prince Andrew can now only use or transport his guns under direct supervision. This is a notable step for the known hunting enthusiast. The development comes ahead of his expected relocation in the new year.
Andrew is set to move from Royal Lodge to a property on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. The Sandringham estate is privately owned by his brother, King Charles III. Buckingham Palace indicated in October that this move would happen "as soon as possible and practicable."
Broader Context and Scrutiny
This action follows the stripping of Andrew's military affiliations and royal patronages in early 2022 due to his association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The connection came under fresh scrutiny last week when a photo from the released Epstein files showed Andrew lying on the laps of women.
It is crucial to note that appearing in these files is not evidence of a crime. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein. The former prince was one of many high-profile figures pictured in the documents released by US authorities.
The surrender of his gun licence marks another chapter in the ongoing recalibration of Prince Andrew's public life, intertwining personal decisions with the lingering shadow of past associations.
