Council Unanimously Votes to Rename Prince Andrew Way in NI

The Mid and East Antrim council in Northern Ireland has voted unanimously to pursue the renaming of Prince Andrew Way in Carrickfergus. This decision follows recent actions by King Charles III, who last month stripped his younger brother, Prince Andrew, of his royal title and evicted him from his residence. The king’s measures aim to mitigate the damage to the royal family’s reputation resulting from Andrew’s connections to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Residents across the UK have increasingly called for local councils to reassess and rename streets honoring Andrew. In a recent council meeting, members expressed their views on the matter. Councillor Anna Henry of the Traditional Unionist Voice party described the motion as “a sad but necessary step.” She emphasized that the controversial actions of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor have made it untenable for the council to honor him any longer.

Consultation on New Name and Next Steps

The proposal to rename the street was initiated by Lauren Gray, a councillor with the Alliance Party. She suggested that renaming the street after the late Queen Elizabeth II would serve as a fitting tribute. The council will now begin consultations with local residents regarding potential new names and will coordinate with statutory bodies, including the postal service and the royal household, to facilitate the name change.

Additionally, the council plans to assess whether it can cover the costs associated with updating the addresses for the ten properties located on Prince Andrew Way. The decision reflects a broader sentiment among residents who are keen to distance their community from the controversies surrounding Andrew and his past.

At 65 years old, Andrew has faced increasing scrutiny over his behavior and associations in recent years, culminating in the loss of his title as Duke of York last month. His removal from royal duties and the subsequent changes to street names illustrate the ripple effects of his actions on both personal and communal levels. The council’s decision marks a significant moment in the ongoing conversation about accountability and the legacy of public figures.