Northern Irish Council Votes to Rename Prince Andrew Way

A council in Northern Ireland has taken the significant step of initiating proceedings to rename a street dedicated to Prince Andrew. This decision follows King Charles’s recent actions to distance the royal family from his brother, amid ongoing scrutiny related to Andrew’s ties to the late Jeffrey Epstein.

During a meeting on [date], the Mid and East Antrim Council unanimously resolved to pursue changing the name of Prince Andrew Way in Carrickfergus. This move marks a notable moment as it makes Mid and East Antrim the first council in the United Kingdom to take such action. The proposal includes plans for a consultation with local residents to determine a new name for the street.

Anna Henry, a councillor representing the Traditional Unionist Voice party, commented on the decision, stating, “This is a sad but necessary motion. 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 council’s actions come in the wake of King Charles formally removing his brother’s title of prince and his designation as “Royal Highness.” The announcement, made through a letter dated 3 November 2025, confirmed that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor would no longer be entitled to these titles. This decision reflects a broader effort by the royal family to maintain its reputation following Andrew’s association with Epstein, a convicted sex offender.

In proposing the renaming, Lauren Gray, a councillor from the Alliance Party, suggested that the street be renamed in honour of the late Queen Elizabeth. This idea has garnered support among council members and local residents, highlighting a desire to commemorate the Queen’s legacy.

Following the council’s unanimous decision, administrative steps will begin. Council staff will engage with relevant statutory bodies, including the postal service and the royal household, to facilitate the renaming process. Additionally, they will assess the financial implications of changing the addresses for the ten properties located on Prince Andrew Way.

The scrutiny surrounding Prince Andrew intensified last month when he was compelled to relinquish his Duke of York title. His connection to Epstein has led to significant public backlash, resulting in the royal family’s efforts to distance itself from the controversy.

This renaming initiative by the Mid and East Antrim Council reflects a growing sentiment among local authorities to reassess public honors associated with individuals facing serious allegations. As the consultation with residents progresses, the council aims to ensure that the new name resonates positively within the community while reflecting a commitment to integrity and accountability.