Source : PERTHNOW NEWS
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor could still be entitled to a high-profile royal ceremonial funeral despite his removal from the royal family’s working ranks and the stripping of his titles.
According to the Daily Mail, senior Whitehall sources said the disgraced former prince remains on a confidential government list covering royals who are expected to receive significant ceremonial funerals.
The arrangements are understood to form part of the Government’s long-term contingency planning for the deaths of senior members of the royal family.
Known formally as “bridge” plans, the arrangements are prepared well in advance and can be updated as circumstances change.
The system was used for the funerals of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, whose plans were code-named Operation London Bridge and Operation Forth Bridge respectively.
It is understood the former Duke of York’s arrangements would have been subject to revision following his removal as a working royal and the loss of his royal titles.
If the reported plans remain in place, royal experts believe a funeral service could potentially take place at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.
The 14th-century chapel hosted the funerals of both Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip and has also been the setting for major royal occasions, including the 2018 wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor, under the plans, would also be buried at the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore in Windsor’s Home Park. The private 33-acre cemetery is the final resting place of a number of members of the royal family.
The reported funeral arrangements are not expected to be needed for many years, with the 66-year-old reported to be in good health.
The supposed plans have drawn criticism from figures who argue Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s changed status should mean he is no longer entitled to royal ceremonial treatment.
Gloria Allred, a US lawyer who has represented 27 victims of disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, questioned whether such honour would be appropriate.
“Andrew has brought disgrace upon the Royal Family and the UK as a result of his involvement with Jeffrey Epstein,” she said.
“Under these circumstances, the question arises as to why this man should be afforded the honour of a royal funeral.
“What kind of message would such a ceremony send to Epstein’s victims?
“Additionally, why should UK taxpayers bear the burden of paying his expenses either in life or after his death?”
Tory shadow Home Officer Minister Alicia Kearns also called for any such plans to be abandoned.
“There are no circumstances under which Andrew should be afforded a royal funeral,” she said.
“He should live out his days far from public life, and the police and CPS should ensure their investigations into him are robust and don’t drag on. All such plans should be revoked immediately.”
The controversy comes after a dramatic change in Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s position within the monarchy. King Charles removed his brother’s HRH style and prince title in November last year following the fallout form his association with Mr Epstein.
