Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor will retain the Freedom of the City of London, one of the few honours still held by the disgraced former prince, following a review that concluded the distinction cannot be withdrawn.
The City of London Corporation conducted an examination of its regulations governing how the historic honour is bestowed and the processes by which it might potentially be rescinded.
A spokesman for the authority, which administers the Square Mile, confirmed to the Local Democracy Reporting Service the centuries-old privilege must remain in place.
The largely ceremonial distinction, which traditionally permits holders to drive sheep across London Bridge, continues to be conferred regularly on notable figures, including Sir Lenny Henry and Cate Blanchett.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been allowed to keep the Freedom of the City of London
|GETTY
The former royal acquired the status in 2012 through patrimony, having inherited it as the son of Prince Phillip, who held Freeman status himself.
Unlike typical recipients who are nominated by corporation councillors, those who obtain the Freedom through family lineage possess it as a legal entitlement.
The corporation stated: "Applications via patrimony are not considered by our elected members."
It added: "We have carefully considered whether it is possible to remove a Freedom granted by patrimony and understand that we are not able to do so."
After review The City of London Corporation concluded they could not remove the honour
| GETTYRepresentatives for Mr Mountbatten-Windsor did not respond when approached for comment by the LDRS.
King Charles stripped the former prince of his royal titles, styles and honours last year after additional details emerged regarding his connection to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
In February, Andrew was taken into custody following correspondence contained within the Epstein Files that indicated he may have shared sensitive trade information.
He spent 11 hours in police custody before being released under investigation.
Andrew has not been seen since he was released from Aylsham police station | REUTERSAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor has maintained he has not engaged in any wrongdoing.
The retention of the Freedom of the City of London means the honour remains among the diminishing number of distinctions still associated with the former royal, despite the serious allegations he continues to face.
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