London's historic Duke of York's Theatre is to be renamed, removing all association with Prince Andrew, who was stripped of his Duke of York title last year due to his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The theatre, located on St Martin's Lane, will now be known as the Tom Stoppard Theatre, in honour of the acclaimed British playwright who died in November at the age of 88.
Renaming as a Tribute to a Literary Giant
ATG Entertainment, which owns the theatre, announced that the change is a "lasting tribute" to Sir Tom Stoppard, described as one of the "most influential playwrights in British theatre." Andrew Rawlinson, ATG Entertainment's business director in London, stated: "Sir Tom Stoppard gave the British theatre some of its most brilliant and best-loved work, and he did it with a wit and a humanity that audiences carried home with them." He added that the renaming "felt like the right and natural way to keep him among us."
The theatre originally opened in 1892 as the Trafalgar Square Theatre but was renamed the Duke of York's in 1895, after the future King George V, who held the title at the time. The venue has been a prominent West End theatre for over a century, hosting numerous acclaimed productions.
No Direct Link to Epstein Scandal, but Timing Significant
While ATG Entertainment did not explicitly state that the name change is connected to Prince Andrew's involvement in the Epstein scandal, the timing follows the removal of his royal title. Andrew, 66, was stripped of his Duke of York title by King Charles III in 2025 amid ongoing fallout from his association with Epstein and allegations of sexual abuse, which he has consistently denied.
Stoppard's four children—Ollie, Barny, Will, and Ed—welcomed the honour, saying in a statement: "The West End was close to his heart and we feel sure he would be thrilled and humbled in equal measure by this great honour."
Other Landmarks Also Renamed
The Duke of York's Theatre is not the first landmark to distance itself from the former prince. The Duke of York Stakes, an annual horse race at York, has been renamed the Minster Stakes. The Duke of York pub at York station is now called the Line and Whistle. In Northern Ireland, councillors voted to change the name of Prince Andrew Way in Carrickfergus, while residents in Hellesdon, near Norwich, raised concerns about Prince Andrew's Road. Additionally, a portrait of Prince Andrew that once hung over the Duke of York pub in central London was removed last year.
