BELFAST, Northern Ireland — A local council in Northern Ireland has taken the first step toward removing Prince Andrew’s name from a residential street, becoming the first local authority in the United Kingdom to initiate such a move following King Charles’ decision to distance his brother from public life.
The Mid and East Antrim Borough Council voted unanimously to proceed with renaming Prince Andrew Way in Carrickfergus, a town with longstanding historical ties to the British royal family. The decision reflects growing public pressure across the UK, where residents in several communities have urged officials to rethink the use of the former prince’s name on streets, landmarks, and civic spaces.
Calls for renaming intensified after King Charles stripped Andrew of his title of prince last month, evicted him from his Windsor residence, and reaffirmed his removal from official duties, all in an effort to protect the monarchy from reputational harm tied to Andrew’s association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The 65-year-old royal, once Duke of York, has faced years of scrutiny over his conduct and relationships, culminating in public outrage that has yet to subside.
During the council discussion in Carrickfergus, members acknowledged the sensitivity of altering a street name but emphasized the necessity of the move in light of Andrew’s controversies. Traditional Unionist Voice councillor Anna Henry described the decision as unfortunate but unavoidable, saying the allegations surrounding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor made it untenable for the community to continue honoring him in such a public way.
The proposal, introduced by Alliance Party councillor Lauren Gray, suggested that renaming the street after the late Queen Elizabeth II would serve as a more appropriate and dignified tribute to a monarch still widely respected in the region. With all councillors expressing support, the measure moved forward without resistance.
Local authorities will now begin the formal process of selecting a new name, which includes consulting the street’s residents, notifying the postal service and other relevant government bodies, and determining whether the council can shoulder any costs associated with updating the ten affected addresses. Officials said they intend to handle the transition with minimal disruption to the households involved.
As pressure continues to mount across the United Kingdom, the decision in Carrickfergus may set a precedent for other communities weighing whether to remove ties to Andrew from public view. For now, the town becomes the first to officially begin rewriting its maps in response to the ongoing fallout surrounding the disgraced former royal.
