Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is reportedly due to receive a royal ceremonial funeral despite his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
The disgraced ex-Prince is still on a secret government list of royals who will receive high-profile funerals.
The arrangement is part of the government’s so-called ‘bridge’ plans which prepare for the deaths of Royal Family members long in advance, the Mail on Sunday reports.
Andrew is still on the list for a bells-and-whistles farewell even though he became a private citizen following revelations over his friendship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Royal experts have speculated that Andrew’s funeral would be held at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, the same venue as Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.
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The 14th-century chapel also hosted the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in 2018.
It is thought Andrew might be buried at the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore, a 33–acre private cemetery in Home Park, Windsor.
Other controversial royal figures are buried there, including King Edward VIII, who abdicated in disgrace in 1936 to marry his wife Wallis Simpson, who is also buried there.
King Charles stripped Andrew of his HRH style and prince title in November last year after more revelations over links with Epstein.
US lawyer Gloria Allred, who has represented 27 of Epstein’s victims, said: ‘Andrew has brought disgrace upon the Royal Family and the UK as a result of his involvement with Jeffrey Epstein.
‘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?’
US lawyer Spencer Kuvin, who represented nine of Epstein’s victims, said: ‘Taxpayers should not ever be funding a funeral for a private individual. No public money should be used to benefit him during death. It’s an embarrassment to the Crown.’
One issue which Andrew will have to consider in the planning for his funeral is who will act as pallbearers during the ceremony.
Servicemen from regiments associated with members of the Royal Family normally have the honour of carrying their coffin.
Andrew served in the Royal Navy, including during the Falklands War, and was the honorary colonel of the Grenadier Guards, the Royal Irish Regiment, and the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
However he lost his military titles over the Epstein scandal.
Retired Rear Admiral Chris Parry, who captained the Royal Navy’s HMS Fearless, said he believed the Navy would ask for volunteers to act as pallbearers.
He said: ‘The guy doesn’t relinquish being a naval officer.
‘He wasn’t thrown out. He had a Falklands medal and you can’t take that away from him and he deserves the credit for that. If somebody said to me “Would you do it?”, I’d do it.’
The revelations have also sparked political anger.
Alicia Kearns, Tory shadow Home Office minister, said: ‘There are no circumstances under which Andrew should be afforded a royal funeral.
‘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.’
Andrew has repeatedly denied all allegations against him
The Cabinet Office and Buckingham Palace declined to comment.
Mountbatten–Windsor did not respond to a request to comment.
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