Carrickfergus: council to discuss motion to rename Prince Andrew Way while retaining royal link
Alliance will propose a motion at a meeting of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council this evening (Monday, November 24) to rename Prince Andrew Way in Carrickfergus but to retain a royal link.
Carrickfergus Castle Councillor Lauren Gray is proposing the council will “work to rename Prince Andrew Way while maintaining the important link to the Royal Family”.
The motion comes after His Majesty King Charles III, according to a statement issued from Buckingham Palace on October 30, initiated a formal process “to remove the style, titles and honours of Prince Andrew”.
The move follows increasing scrutiny and allegations over the former prince’s links to convicted child sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein which Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, as he is now known, has always strenuously denied.
The statement said: “These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him. Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.”
Cllr Gray said in the notice of motion the council has been exploring ways to honour the late Queen Elizabeth II.
“We believe this would be a fitting tribute and options should be presented back to councillors for a final decision,” the notice of motion stated.
The former Prince Andrew visited Carrickfergus in his role as Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Irish Regiment which had a base in the town. He was guest of honour in Carrick during 50th VE Day anniversary celebrations in 1995.
A statement issued by East Antrim DUP MLA Cheryl Brownlee on behalf of Carrickfergus DUP said the council team has tabled a motion calling on Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to initiate the formal process to rename Prince Andrew Way in Carrickfergus and to consult with local residents on a “suitable alternative that honours the heritage and character” of the town.
A statement posted on social media said: “This is not a decision taken lightly, but it is the right one to ensure Carrickfergus remains a place associated with dignity and respect.
“The Carrickfergus DUP team believe that the continued association of our town with Prince Andrew, through the naming of Prince Andrew Way, is no longer appropriate.”
The statement noted that “Carrickfergus has a proud history and strong community values and it is vital that the names of our streets reflect those values”.
The DUP have been “firm on this since 2021, when the late Queen Elizabeth II stripped Andrew of his HRH and military titles.”
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter