Senior Whitehall sources have indicated that Prince Andrew, the former Duke of York, remains on a secret government list for a royal ceremonial funeral, despite his downfall and relinquishment of royal titles following revelations of his association with Jeffrey Epstein. This arrangement is reportedly part of the government's detailed funeral plans for members of the Royal Family, often codenamed after bridges, such as 'Operation London Bridge' for Queen Elizabeth II and 'Operation Forth Bridge' for Prince Philip.
While specific details of the plans for Prince Andrew are not public, royal experts suggest a service would likely be held at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, a venue used for previous royal funerals and weddings. His burial is anticipated at the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore, which also holds the remains of King Edward VIII.
Despite Prince Andrew appearing to be in good health, the revelation of these contingency plans has drawn significant criticism. U.S. lawyer Gloria Allred, who represents Epstein victims, questioned the appropriateness of a royal funeral for someone she stated has brought disgrace upon the Royal Family and the UK. She further questioned the potential burden on UK taxpayers.
Alicia Kearns, a Conservative Party shadow Home Office minister, stated that there are no circumstances under which Andrew should receive a royal funeral and called for such plans to be revoked. Norman Baker, a former government minister and royal finance expert, described the situation as a potential oversight, arguing that as a commoner, Prince Andrew should not be entitled to a royal funeral.
These plans may have been updated to reflect that Prince Andrew is no longer a working royal. King Charles III stripped him of his HRH style and prince title in November of the previous year. Royal experts have drawn parallels to Princess Margaret's funeral in 2002, which involved a private service at St. George's Chapel, a period of mourning, and significant public interest, though she was cremated rather than buried in the Royal Burial Ground.
A point of consideration for Prince Andrew in the future could be the selection of pallbearers. Traditionally, servicemen from regiments associated with royal family members fulfill this role. Prince Andrew served in the Royal Navy and held honorary colonelcies in several regiments, but these military titles were also relinquished amid the Epstein scandal.
Retired Rear Admiral Chris Parry suggested that the Navy might ask for volunteers to serve as pallbearers, acknowledging Prince Andrew's naval service and Falklands War record. However, other critics, like U.S. lawyer Spencer Kuvin and Conservative MP Joe Robertson, have voiced strong opposition to any public funding for his funeral, asserting that as a private citizen, his funeral expenses should be privately borne. The Cabinet Office and Buckingham Palace have declined to comment on the matter. Prince Andrew himself did not respond to requests for comment.