In a dramatic interruption to its regular schedule, ITV's Good Morning Britain broadcast a significant update concerning the royal family this morning. Presenters Ed Balls and Charlotte Hawkins informed viewers of a new development involving the Duke of York, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Firearms Certificate Surrendered After Police Visit
The programme revealed that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has voluntarily surrendered his gun licence following a visit by specialist police officers. The visit took place at his home, Royal Lodge in Windsor, on Wednesday, November 19.
A statement from the Metropolitan Police confirmed the action, noting that firearms licensing officers had attended an address in Windsor to request that a man in his 60s give up his certificate. The statement concluded, "The certificate was surrendered, and we will not be commenting any further at this stage."
Charlotte Hawkins told the audience, "Andrew is said to have agreed to give up the certificate after specialist police visited his Royal Lodge home in Windsor."
A Keen Huntsman Facing Growing Pressure
Correspondent Richard Gaisford provided further context, explaining that the former prince is a known enthusiast for shooting parties and owns several firearms and shotguns. However, he clarified that Andrew can now only use these weapons under strict supervision.
Gaisford outlined the general rules, stating, "Police have a duty to make regular checks on those with guns to maintain their licences and those certificates can be revoked if they have concerns about the way weapons are being stored, criminal behaviour or someone's mental health."
This development is seen as another significant setback for Andrew, coming just a month after King Charles III formally revoked his royal titles. Furthermore, he has been instructed to vacate Royal Lodge, the Windsor home where he has lived with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, while paying a nominal 'peppercorn' rent.
Reasons Behind the Review and Future Implications
According to reports, one factor likely prompting the review of his licence is his impending relocation from Windsor to Norfolk. By law, firearm certificate holders must notify authorities of any change of address involving a weapon.
A source quoted by The Sun newspaper emphasised the impact of the decision: “It is a real blow. 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.”
Richard Gaisford added that he believes pressure has been mounting on Andrew for many weeks and months, a period during which he and Sarah Ferguson have been consistently linked to scandal, primarily due to his past association with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The revocation of his gun licence marks a further step in the former royal's removal from the privileges and trappings of his former official life, underscoring his diminished status following a series of personal and public controversies.
