Council Votes Unanimously to Rename Prince Andrew Way in Ireland

Residents of Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland, will see a significant change as the local council has voted unanimously to rename a street previously named after Prince Andrew. The decision follows the recent removal of his royal title by King Charles III and aims to address concerns over Andrew’s associations with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

At a council meeting, members of the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council discussed the implications of continuing to honor Andrew with a street name. Councillor Anna Henry, representing the Traditional Unionist Voice party, described the motion as a “sad but necessary” step. She emphasized, “Regrettably, the alleged actions of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor have made it impossible for this council to continue honouring him in the manner the good people of Mid and East Antrim have done in the past.”

The proposal to rename Prince Andrew Way was initiated by Lauren Gray, a councillor from the Alliance Party. Gray suggested that renaming the street after the late Queen Elizabeth II would be a fitting tribute to her legacy. The council now plans to consult with residents on potential new names and will engage with relevant statutory bodies, including the postal service and the royal household, to facilitate the name change.

The decision comes amidst growing public sentiment against honoring Andrew, particularly due to his alleged misconduct and the scrutiny surrounding his connections to Epstein. The 65-year-old prince, who is the younger brother of King Charles, has faced increasing pressure in recent years, culminating in his relinquishment of the title of Duke of York last month.

As part of the name-changing process, council staff will explore how to cover any expenses associated with updating the addresses for the ten properties located on the street. This effort reflects a broader movement in the UK, where residents in various regions have called for similar renaming initiatives in light of Andrew’s controversial past.

The council’s actions highlight the shifting dynamics of public opinion regarding royal figures and their legacy, illustrating how communities are responding to the complexities of historical honorifics in the modern context.