Calls Grow to Rename ‘Prince Andrew Way’ in Northern Ireland Amid Royal Controversy
A proposal to rename a street in County Antrim, currently honoring Prince Andrew, is set to be debated by local councilors this week, fueled by ongoing fallout from the royal’s association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The Mid and East Antrim Council will discuss a motion on Monday to alter the name of “Prince Andrew Way” in Carrickfergus, a street originally designated in 1986 to commemorate the Prince’s marriage to Sarah Ferguson. The move comes after King Charles III initiated a formal process last month to strip Prince Andrew of all his royal titles, a decision prompted by renewed scrutiny of his relationship with Epstein.
The controversy surrounding Prince Andrew’s ties to Epstein has presented a significant challenge for the Royal Family, despite the Prince consistently denying any wrongdoing. The debate over the street name reflects a broader reckoning with the Prince’s public image and a desire to distance civic spaces from figures embroiled in scandal.
The proposal, put forward by the Alliance Party, seeks to maintain a connection to the Royal Family while acknowledging the current circumstances. According to the motion, renaming the street after Queen Elizabeth II would be a “fitting tribute,” particularly as the council has already been considering ways to honor the late monarch.
The street is home to a small number of residences and businesses, and the potential renaming has sparked varied reactions from local residents. One resident stated, “It’s not a good look for Carrick,” expressing a sentiment that the current name is inappropriate given the allegations. Others have suggested alternative names, including “Princess Catherine Way” and “Queen Elizabeth Way.”
Councilor Aaron Skinner, seconding the motion, emphasized the importance of public input. “It’s something people have been talking to us about for a long time,” he said. “We want to have people’s thoughts come in on that, but we also have to speak to the Royal household, because you can’t just decide we’re going to name this after a royal. There’s a lot of process that needs to be followed there.” He added that a public consultation would allow residents to “have their say.”
Support for the renaming extends beyond the Alliance Party, with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) also indicating a favorable stance. However, the timeline for any potential changes remains uncertain.
Prince Andrew relinquished all his royal titles, including the Duke of York and Baron Killyleagh (bestowed by Queen Elizabeth II), earlier in October following the resurfacing of emails from 2011 detailing contact with Epstein after previously claiming their friendship had ended. The formal publication of the title stripping occurred earlier this month.
While some residents believe a change is necessary, others are more ambivalent. One Carrickfergus resident suggested simply removing “prince” from the street name, resulting in “Andrew Way.” Another expressed a desire to “keep it in the Royal family,” proposing “Prince Edward Way” as an alternative. A local couple suggested “King’s Road” as a potential new name.
The council’s decision on Monday will set the stage for further discussion and potentially a public consultation, marking a significant moment in how communities grapple with the legacy of controversial figures and the evolving relationship between civic spaces and the Royal Family.
