A street in Northern Ireland, previously designated as “Prince Andrew Way,” is slated for an official name change. Leaders in Carrickfergus, County Antrim, have voted to remove the royal’s name following his extensively documented links to convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
The decision underscores a community’s disavowal of any association with the disgraced figure.
The Duke of York, recently stripped of his final official entitlements and now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, faces a continued public backlash for his past conduct. Signs identifying the road have already been defaced, with images circulating showing the term “Prince” obliterated by spray paint.
This particular route, which serves several residences and commercial establishments within the picturesque County Antrim settlement, was originally christened in 1986 to commemorate Andrew’s marriage to Sarah Ferguson, as reported by the BBC. Its designation was a tribute to a then-popular royal union.
Councillor Aaron Skinner articulated the prevailing local sentiment, stating, “I have engaged with numerous inhabitants who experience profound discomfort regarding the ongoing commemoration of Andrew Mountbatten through this nomenclature.” He further added, “There exists a firm conviction that he no longer embodies the principles cherished by our community.”
Councillor Anna Henry remarked that the initiative for alteration is “unfortunate yet essential… given the substantial cloud” cast by Andrew’s connection to the infamous sexual offender. Her comments highlight the gravity of the prince’s association.
Among the suggestions for the street’s new identity, Skinner relayed proposals he had heard from local citizens. These included “Princess Catherine Way,” honouring Prince William’s consort, and “Queen Elizabeth Way,” in tribute to the late monarch, who passed away in 2022.
A resident, identifying herself only as Denise, informed the BBC in Carrickfergus: “I recognise the imperative for its modification.” She expressed a desire for the new appellation to retain a royal connection, proposing “Prince Edward Way” in homage to King Charles’s and Andrew’s youngest sibling.
Robyn Taylor, a frequent visitor to the coastal community, advocated for commemorating Elizabeth II, observing that retaining her son’s name “reflects poorly upon Carrickfergus.”
King Charles III previously enacted a decision last month to divest his brother of his remaining honorary positions and dignities. Simultaneously, he formally directed Andrew to vacate his extensive Royal Lodge residence within Windsor.
This significant move followed posthumous allegations made by Virginia Giuffre, who tragically died by suicide in April. In her memoir “Nobody’s Girl,” she claimed Epstein instructed her to engage in sexual acts with Andrew, now 65, on three separate occasions, commencing when she was merely 17.
Historian Andrew Lownie, author of “Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York,” recently disclosed that the actual number of victims, some even younger, may be considerably higher than previously understood.
A statement issued via Buckingham Palace quoted Andrew as saying, “In consultation with The King, and my immediate and extended kindred, we have concluded that the persistent allegations concerning me detract from His Majesty’s duties and the functioning of the royal family.”
