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Prince Andrew voluntarily gives up firearms certificate
Former Prince Andrew, Duke of York, has surrendered his gun licence following a visit by Metropolitan Police firearms officers to his Royal Lodge residence in Windsor last month.
Police visit details
On 19 November, officers from the Met's firearms licensing unit attended an address in Windsor and requested that a man in his 60s voluntarily hand over his firearms and shotgun certificate. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the certificate was surrendered but provided no further details on the circumstances.
A spokesperson for the force stated: "On Wednesday, 19 November, Metropolitan Police firearms licensing officers attended an address in Windsor to request that a man in his 60s voluntarily surrender his firearms and shotgun certificate."
Implications of the surrender
The decision means Prince Andrew, a known hunting enthusiast, can now only use or transport his firearms under supervision. However, surrendering the certificate does not permanently revoke his access to guns.
The reasons behind the voluntary surrender remain unclear, and the Metropolitan Police have not disclosed any further information.
Upcoming relocation to Norfolk
The former prince is expected to move to an undisclosed property on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk early next year. The estate is privately owned by his brother, King Charles III.
In October, Buckingham Palace announced the relocation would occur "as soon as possible and practicable," following Andrew's removal from public duties and the stripping of his royal titles over his association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Epstein files resurface scrutiny
Prince Andrew's ties to Epstein came under renewed scrutiny last week after the US government released documents containing a photograph of him lying on the laps of women. The image was part of the so-called Epstein files, which included pictures of numerous high-profile individuals.
While appearing in the files does not imply criminal wrongdoing, Andrew has consistently denied any misconduct related to Epstein.
