Andrew Windsor’s gun license has been revoked due to safety concerns

Windsor, a keen hunter who previously hosted shooting parties at Sandringham and Balmoral, had retained his license despite retiring from public life.

But a source familiar with the decision said: “There was a growing feeling that it was no longer responsible to give him access to firearms. The fear was not just about recklessness, but also about his own safety and that of others.”

Another insider close to the royal security arrangements went further, claiming the decision was linked to growing concerns in the palace.

They said: “Andrew is effectively under a discreet form of suicide watch. Staff are reporting on an ongoing basis, and this is done on the orders of the King. There are genuine concerns that his mental health has deteriorated significantly since losing his titles and roles.”

Anyone in that position in Britain with a firearms license is considered a potential risk to themselves and others, and it is very easy to have that license revoked if such concerns are passed on to the authorities.

Police did not confiscate Andrew’s weapons during an earlier visit, but imposed strict conditions on storage and access.

The full retraction followed allegations that he asked a royal protection officer to gather information about Giuffre – a claim that was investigated by the Met but ultimately withdrawn.

Windsor has denied the request. A senior law enforcement source said the combination of pressure on Windsor led to the revocation of his gun license.

They added: “This wasn’t about punishment. It was about risk management. When someone is isolated, under extreme stress and surrounded by symbols of a past life, you need to take preventative steps.”

In a statement, the Metropolitan Police confirmed the Windsor visit but declined to elaborate further on the reasoning.

A spokesperson said: “On Wednesday 19 November, firearms licensing officers attended a speech in Windsor to urge a man in his 60s to voluntarily surrender his firearms and shotgun certificate. The certificate was surrendered and we will have no further comment at this stage.”

Royal insiders say Windsor has not attended the recent shooting events at Windsor Great Park since losing his royal status.

A palace source said: “There were serious concerns that allowing him to organize or attend filming weekends would send the wrong message and could escalate a very fragile situation.”

The decision not to launch a criminal investigation into the alleged request for information about Giuffre angered her family.

In a statement, they said they were “deeply disappointed” with the Met’s handling of the case and criticized the police for not consulting them before closing the investigation.

Windsor remains under tight security at the Royal Lodge and is increasingly removed from public view as royal aides quietly deal with what an insider described as “an ongoing and deeply disturbing situation.”