The former Prince Andrew will be buried with royal honors despite having been stripped of his titles, according to reports citing a confidential government list of funeral protocols. The information was revealed by Mail on Sunday, which referenced the internal document known as "Most." This list outlines detailed procedures for funerals of members of the royal family, including specific names assigned to operations such as the burial of Queen Elizabeth II, labeled "Operation London Bridge," and that of Prince Philip, called "Operation Forth Bridge." According to royal experts, Andrew’s funeral is expected to take place in St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, followed by interment at the royal burial ground at Frogmore, located on the Windsor estate. Frogmore is also the final resting place of King Edward VIII, who abdicated the throne in 1936 to marry Wallis Simpson. The decision to grant Andrew a royal funeral has sparked controversy, particularly due to his past associations with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Gloria Allred, an American lawyer representing several victims of Epstein, expressed her disapproval of the planned funeral arrangements. She stated that Andrew had disgraced the royal family and the United Kingdom through his ties to Epstein. Allred questioned why someone with such connections would be entitled to a royal funeral, suggesting that such an honor might send the wrong message to Epstein’s victims. Norman Baker, a former government minister and expert on royal finances, also criticized the decision. He argued that Andrew, now simply known as Mountbatten-Windsor, should not be granted a royal funeral. "He is just a normal man and certainly shouldn’t have a royal funeral," Baker said. Andrew, 66, lost more than just his title as Duke of York last year, he also relinquished his title as prince. Earlier this year, he faced arrest over allegations of misconduct. According to The Telegraph, eight police officers arrived at his property in six vehicles to conduct an arrest related to accusations outlined in Epstein’s files. These included claims that Andrew shared sensitive information with Epstein while serving as a British trade envoy. The allegations against Andrew emerged from documents linked to Epstein, which were made public following his death in 2019. These files contained numerous accusations involving high-profile individuals, some of whom have since faced legal consequences. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has maintained that the allegations are false. The decision to bury Andrew with royal honors comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the royal family’s response to the Epstein scandal. While Andrew has been officially removed from active royal duties, the choice to grant him a formal royal funeral has raised questions about how the monarchy handles its members’ legacies, especially in cases involving serious allegations. Royal protocol typically dictates that members of the royal family receive certain honors based on their status within the family hierarchy. However, Andrew’s case appears to deviate from standard practices, given his removal from royal roles and the nature of the allegations against him. Some observers suggest that the decision could reflect broader considerations regarding the preservation of royal traditions, even in controversial circumstances. The funeral plans remain under discussion among royal officials, though no official confirmation has yet been issued. Details surrounding the exact date, location, and participants in the ceremony are still unclear. Meanwhile, public reaction continues to be divided, with some expressing concern over the perceived inconsistency in how the royal family treats its members. The controversy highlights the complex relationship between tradition, public perception, and the personal histories of royal figures. As the situation unfolds, further developments are anticipated, particularly regarding whether the royal family will address criticisms about the decision to honor Andrew in this manner.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.
Become a Supporter
Slovenia
