A local government in Northern Ireland has become the latest institution to distance itself from Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, advancing a motion to rename "Prince Andrew Way" in Carrickfergus as pressure intensifies following the former prince's loss of royal titles and continued public scrutiny over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The Mid and East Antrim Council voted unanimously this week to begin a formal process that could remove the road's 38-year-old designation, marking yet another symbolic setback for the disgraced royal.
The move comes after King Charles stripped Andrew of his remaining styles, titles and honours in the wake of renewed allegations, including references to him in recently released Epstein-related documents published by Democrats in the United States. Andrew has strongly denied the allegations, which include claims that he sexually abused minors and maintained a close association with Epstein after the financier's conviction. The developments compound his earlier loss of privileges, including the right to reside at the Royal Lodge in Windsor with ex-wife Sarah Ferguson.
"Prince Andrew Way" was named in 1986 to celebrate the former Duke of York's wedding to Ferguson. It runs through a residential area with homes and small businesses, and for years carried little controversy. That changed after the publication of Virginia Giuffre's posthumous memoir and the subsequent withdrawal of Andrew's royal titles, prompting local residents to renew calls for change.
Alliance Party councillor Lauren Gray, who introduced the renaming motion at Monday's council meeting, said the renewed scrutiny makes this the appropriate time for reconsideration. "In recent weeks as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor stepped away from some of the titles conferred on him, and now with the royal family removing his style, title and honours, we're now in the space to have this conversation," she said. Gray added that public sentiment has shifted decisively, noting that the move is "long overdue in looking at what it would take to make this change."
The proposal was seconded by Alliance councillor Aaron Skinner, who told colleagues that residents along the road feel "deeply uneasy" about continuing to honour Andrew. But he also warned that the process could be complicated due to consultations required with outside bodies, including the Royal Household. His remarks underscored the sensitivity of altering a street name tied to a living member of the royal family-even one no longer holding official status.
The council's interim chief executive, Valerie Watts, reminded members that "there is no current council policy on changing the name of a street," signalling that procedural steps must be clarified before any formal renaming. She also cautioned that residents would face administrative burdens after a change, including updating legal documents, bank records and utility accounts.
Despite these challenges, councillors voiced broad agreement that maintaining historical ties to the monarchy should not mean honouring a figure whose reputation has become a liability. Ulster Unionist Party councillor Bethany Ferris said, "Carrickfergus has a long, proud and genuine connection with the Royal Family... As we move to update the name of the road, many in our community feels it important to maintain that historic link but in a manner that reflects dignity, service and integrity."
