Prince Andrew commemorative plaque removed to avoid ‘vandalism’

The commemorative plaque, which marks the 400th anniversary of the city, was removed at Lagan Valley Island around the Christmas period.

It had gained controversial status as allegations linked the Royal family member to Jeffrey Epstein, with political parties at the council supporting an end to the legacy of the Duke at the Lisburn civic centre. The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) contacted Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) for clarity on the matter. A spokesperson said: “It is no longer in place.” When the local authority was asked for further transparency and to answer questions directly, it responded: “The council has no further comment to make on this matter.”

The tree at the HQ of the council was planted by the ‘Duke of York’ in September 2009.

The LDRS had previously contacted Buckingham Palace which said all legacy matters such as the plaque and street names would be a matter for local councils. ‘Prince Andrew’ recently gave up titles including the Duke of York due to continued accusations linking him to the late billionaire sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The former Prince has continued to deny all allegations. King Charles III also formally stripped his brother of his remaining Royal titles towards the end of last year and that he is now to be known as ‘Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’.

The LDRS contacted all main parties at LCCC and asked if each party had been made aware of the removal of the plaque, with only Alliance claiming a cross party agreement, but other parties saying they were not involved.

A DUP spokesperson said: "As indicated previously, the DUP group on Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council believes there should be no ongoing recognition or legacy of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor at Lagan Valley Island.

“It is our understanding that the plaque was temporarily removed before Christmas and placed in storage.

“This was to avoid potential vandalism at the site. A decision on any long-term position regarding the plaque will be made in due course.”

An Alliance Party spokesperson has said: “Following effective and constructive engagement, we’re glad to see cross-party agreement achieved and the subsequent removal of the plaque in question.

“We will remain active participants in all discussions around any future action as things develop.”

A Sinn Fein spokesperson said: “Sinn Fein does not believe there should be any civic recognition or celebration of Prince Andrew.”

The LDRS understands that a party leader meeting with LCCC management was held which should involve group leaders of the DUP, Alliance, UUP and Sinn Fein. The SDLP does not hold enough seats to be included.

A UUP spokesperson said: “As a party, we were not involved in the decision to temporarily remove the plaque.

“We recognise the sensitivities surrounding this matter, but any steps to replace it must focus on celebrating the City of Lisburn and the final decision will be taken by councillors in due course.”

A SDLP spokesperson said: "SDLP councillors were not previously informed of the plaque’s removal, but we are fully supportive of the removal of any tribute to the former Prince Andrew and believe that this move will reflect the wishes of residents in this council area.”