Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor loses gun license as police clamp down

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has suffered another humiliating setback after being stripped of his firearms licence, sharply curtailing a pastime that once defined his privileged royal life.

The 65-year-old, formerly the Duke of York, has long been known as an enthusiastic shooter, with access to multiple rifles and shotguns and a history of hosting shooting weekends at prestigious royal estates such as Sandringham and Balmoral.

Those gatherings, once a fixture of upper-crust royal society, have since taken on a darker tone in light of the scandals that engulfed him.

One such event came under intense scrutiny after it emerged that Andrew had hosted a birthday celebration for Jeffrey Epstein’s associate Ghislaine Maxwell at Sandringham in 2000. When questioned later, he attempted to characterise the gathering in a televised interview as “a straightforward shooting weekend.”

In November, officers from the Metropolitan Police, who oversee royal and diplomatic protection, reportedly attended Andrew’s residence at Royal Lodge in Windsor. According to sources, Andrew did not deal with the officers directly, instead relying on a valet while firearms specialists carried out what was described as a “pretty thorough” examination of the circumstances surrounding his weapons.

While police are not believed to have seized his guns outright, they imposed strict new conditions on their storage and access.

Following a formal security review, Andrew’s firearms licence was revoked, meaning he can no longer transport or use weapons independently and may only handle them under tight professional supervision.

Concerns about his continued involvement in shooting activities had already been raised.

In October, royal insiders suggested that preventing Andrew from hosting shooting parties on royal land was one option under discussion.

Despite reports of several shooting gatherings in Windsor Great Park in recent months, Andrew himself has not been seen attending any since losing his royal titles at the King’s direction.

The Metropolitan Police later confirmed their involvement, stating:
“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 be not be commenting any further at this stage.”

The timing of the decision has drawn attention, coming amid renewed controversy over claims that Andrew attempted to enlist his police protection officer to investigate Virginia Giuffre, one of the women who alleged she was trafficked to him by Jeffrey Epstein.

Andrew has consistently and forcefully denied those allegations.

Earlier this month, the Met announced it would not pursue a criminal investigation after reports revealed that Andrew had drawn police resources and a senior aide to Queen Elizabeth II into efforts that allegedly sought to undermine Ms Giuffre.

Emails published in October showed Andrew asking his taxpayer-funded protection officer to look into her background, sharing sensitive personal details in the process.

Although detectives reviewed material including Ms Giuffre’s memoirs, in which she alleged she was trafficked to London in 2001 to have sex with Andrew, the force concluded its assessment without further action.

Detective Chief Superintendent Ella Marriott said the review “has not revealed any additional evidence of criminal acts or misconduct.”

Ms Giuffre’s family reacted angrily, saying:
“We are deeply disappointed that the Metropolitan Police have dropped their investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor without explanation and without speaking with us, Virginia's family.”

Adding to Andrew’s woes, he is also expected to vacate Royal Lodge and relocate to a smaller residence on the King’s Sandringham estate, widely reported to be Marsh Farm. Sources suggest the impending move may have influenced the police decision, as firearms licence holders are required to notify authorities about weapon storage at new addresses.

As one source put it:
“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. It is a real blow to him.”

Marsh Farm, located several miles from King Charles’s main Norfolk retreat, is reportedly undergoing extensive refurbishment ahead of Andrew’s arrival.

While the property is said to be far more modest than his current 30-room home, preparations, including an expanded no-fly zone over the estate, indicate heightened security measures.

The Metropolitan Police and representatives for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor have been approached for comment, as the disgraced royal’s once-privileged life continues to shrink under mounting restrictions.