Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has had his firearms license revoked, marking another setback for the scandal-hit former royal as scrutiny around his conduct and security arrangements continues to mount. The 65-year-old, formerly known as the Duke of York, has long been an enthusiastic shooter and owns several shotguns and rifles.
In the past, he regularly hosted shooting parties at royal estates, including Sandringham and Balmoral. One such gathering later drew attention when Andrew described a 2000 event attended by Ghislaine Maxwell at Sandringham as “a straightforward shooting weekend.”
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According to reports, officers from the Metropolitan Police, which oversees royal and diplomatic protection, visited Andrew at Royal Lodge in Windsor in November. Sources say Andrew relied on a valet to communicate with firearms specialists, who subjected him to what was described as a “pretty thorough” review.
While police are not believed to have seized Andrew’s weapons, strict limits were placed on how they can be stored and who may access them. Following a security review, his firearms certificate was formally revoked, preventing him from using or transporting guns unless under expert supervision, The Sun reported.
A spokesperson for the Met Police confirmed the action, saying: “On Wednesday, November 19, firearms licensing officers attended an address in Windsor to request that a man in his 60s voluntarily surrender his firearms and shotgun certificate. The certificate was surrendered, and we will not be commenting any further at this stage.”
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The decision comes amid renewed controversy surrounding Andrew’s past connections to Jeffrey Epstein and Virginia Giuffre, who alleged she was trafficked to London to have sex with Andrew. He has repeatedly denied her claims.
Recent reporting revealed that Andrew allegedly asked a police protection officer to gather information on Giuffre, including her date of birth and Social Security number. Although the Met said it was “actively looking” into the matter, Detective Chief Superintendent Ella Marriott announced on December 13 that police “will be taking no further action” after an eight-week assessment.
Giuffre’s family responded angrily, saying they were “deeply disappointed” and criticized police for ending the review without speaking to them.
Andrew is also expected to leave Royal Lodge and move to Marsh Farm on the King’s Sandringham estate. Sources suggest the impending relocation may have factored into the firearms decision, since license holders must disclose how weapons are stored at new addresses.
“He will now not be able to do things like use guns on his own or even transport them unless he is under strict supervision,” one source said. “It is a real blow to him.”
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