The Metropolitan Police has revoked the firearms licence of Prince Andrew, dealing a fresh blow to the scandal-plagued former royal. The decision strips the 65-year-old of his right to independently possess, transport, or use his collection of shotguns and rifles.
Security Review Leads to Licence Surrender
Officers from the Met's firearms licensing unit visited the Duke at his home, Royal Lodge in Windsor, on Wednesday, November 19. According to sources, the ex-Duke used a valet to initially deal with the specialist officers, who later subjected him to what was described as a 'pretty thorough' questioning.
The visit followed a security review, after which Andrew was asked to voluntarily surrender his firearms and shotgun certificate. A Met Police spokesperson confirmed: "The certificate was surrendered, and we will not be commenting any further at this stage." While his weapons were not confiscated, severe restrictions were imposed on their storage and access.
A Blow to a Keen Huntsman
The revocation is a significant personal setback for Andrew, who has long fancied himself a seasoned huntsman. He was known to host shooting parties at royal estates including Sandringham and Balmoral. As recently as January last year, he was pictured hosting a shooting event for friends on the Windsor estate.
This connection to shooting parties has been a source of controversy. In his disastrous 2019 Newsnight interview, Andrew sought to explain a 2000 visit to Sandringham by Jeffrey Epstein's accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, as merely "a straightforward shooting weekend."
Royal insiders had previously indicated that one option being considered was to prevent Andrew from hosting such events on royal estates. He has not been seen at any gatherings in Windsor Great Park since being stripped of his royal titles by King Charles.
Ongoing Scandals and an Impending Move
The licence decision comes against a backdrop of persistent scandal. It follows claims, exposed by the Mail on Sunday, that Andrew asked his taxpayer-funded police protection officer to investigate Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexual abuse. The Met recently concluded an eight-week assessment of these allegations, with Detective Chief Superintendent Ella Marriott stating on December 13 that the force "will be taking no further action." Giuffre's family said they were "deeply disappointed" by this outcome.
Andrew's impending relocation is also believed to be a factor. He is due to leave the 30-room Royal Lodge and move to a property on the King's Sandringham estate, rumoured to be Marsh Farm. The seven-bedroom farmhouse is reportedly undergoing extensive renovation. A source noted that licence holders must inform authorities how weapons will be stored at new addresses, suggesting the move prompted the Met's review.
With his licence revoked, Andrew will now only be able to use firearms under strict, expert supervision. This marks the latest indignity for the former Duke, following his removal from royal duties and the ongoing fallout from his association with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
