The Mid and East Antrim Council in Northern Ireland has voted unanimously to rename Prince Andrew Way in Carrickfergus. This decision follows the removal of titles from Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor due to his connections with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The council’s move reflects growing local sentiment against honoring the disgraced prince, who has consistently denied allegations of sexual misconduct.
Council members made the decision during a meeting on Monday evening, responding to increasing public pressure. The street, named in 1986 to commemorate Prince Andrew’s wedding to Sarah Ferguson, is currently lined with homes and businesses. According to reports from The Mirror, some residents have expressed their desire for a name change since 2019, but the urgency has heightened significantly over the past year.
Council Members Support Name Change
Lauren Gray, an Alliance Party councillor, proposed the renaming during the council meeting. She emphasized the importance of retaining a connection to the British Royal Family, suggesting that a new name could serve as a tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II. “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,” Gray stated.
The motion received unanimous backing from the council, with Aaron Skinner, another Alliance councillor, seconding the proposal. During the discussion, Skinner noted that many residents feel “deeply uneasy” about continuing to honor Prince Andrew, raising concerns over the implications of keeping the current name.
Addressing the Challenges Ahead
The potential name change is not without its complexities. Valerie Watts, the council’s interim chief executive, reminded councillors that there is no existing policy on renaming streets. Nevertheless, she pledged to investigate the procedural requirements for a name change and to present a comprehensive report to the council.
Additionally, Watts pointed out that residents will face logistical challenges if the name changes, such as updating legal documents, bank accounts, and utility bills. The implications of this decision are not limited to Carrickfergus. Other areas in the UK, including Shropshire’s Prince Andrew Drive, have also expressed interest in revising their street names.
As the council prepares to navigate the name change process, the situation reflects broader public sentiment regarding the royal family and its members. The decision to rename the street symbolizes a shift in how communities engage with historical figures whose legacies are now being reevaluated.
