Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has surrendered a prestigious honour after more than four decades.
The former Duke of York, 66, has given back the Order of St Olav, a peacetime award in Norway and the country's highest civilian honour. "Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has chosen to return his order," a palace spokesperson in Oslo said in February.
Andrew was given the award back in 1988, when he was still a Prince and had his titles, which he was stripped of by brother, King Charles, back in October. In January, he faced further scrutiny after new documents were released by the US Department of Justice, containing new details concerning Andrew's friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The Norwegian Palace has not specified why the honour has been returned. King Olav, who ruled until 1991, met Queen Elizabeth on multiple occasions throughout their respective reigns.
King Harald, the current sovereign, is distantly related to Charles and Andrew through royal ancestors, including Queen Victoria.
Andrew's arrest
The decision came on the same day that Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office during his time as a trade envoy for the United Kingdom.
© Mirrorpix via Getty ImagesOn 19 February, which also marked the former Duke's 66th birthday, Andrew was held in custody for 11 hours, later being pictured leaving Aylsham police station.
Police vans had arrived in Sandringham that morning, arresting Andrew at Wood Farm Cottage, where he is temporarily living following his Royal Lodge exile.
© Rune Hellestad - Corbis/Corbis via Getty ImagesIn a statement at the time, Thames Valley Police said: "As part of the investigation, we have today (19/2) arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk. The man remains in police custody at this time. We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance. Please also remember that this case is now active so care should be taken with any publication to avoid being in contempt of court."
What titles and privileges does Andrew still have?
Also last month, a spokesperson for New Zealand's Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, confirmed the ex-prince had also been stripped of his 1990 Commemoration Medal.
© POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesAndrew was stripped of his remaining titles and honours by King Charles in October. However, he remains eighth in line to the throne, ahead of his daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. He is also set to keep the Freedom of the City of London because it cannot legally be removed.
The City of London Corporation told the BBC: "Applications via patrimony are not considered by our elected members. We have carefully considered whether it is possible to remove a Freedom granted by patrimony and understand that we are not able to do so."
