Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor faces yet another blow to his reputation as the National Geographic Board considers renaming the Prince Andrew Plateau in Antarctica. The 74-kilometer stretch of ice was named after the then-infant prince in 1962, just two years after his birth.
Antarctic Naming Committee Review
The Antarctic Naming Committee is evaluating a proposal to change the plateau's name following "recent developments" and a suggestion from a member of the public, according to documents released under the Official Information Act. The move comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Andrew's association with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Arrest and Loss of Titles
Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office in February. He has already been evicted from his home of over two decades and stripped of his royal titles. The potential renaming of the plateau adds to his public humiliation.
Freedom of the City of London
News of the possible renaming follows criticism that Andrew failed to surrender his Freedom of the City of London despite being asked to do so. The City of London Corporation passed a motion of censure in late May, formally expressing disapproval after Andrew did not respond to a letter inviting him to relinquish the honour.
The Corporation's Court of Common Council stated that his association with Epstein was "wholly unacceptable and inconsistent" with the status and obligations of a Freeman. The court expressed "profound disappointment" that Andrew had not surrendered his Freedom.
Andrew inherited the Freedom of the City of London in 2012 by virtue of patrimony, as the child of the late Prince Philip, who was awarded the Freedom in 1948.
Ongoing Investigations
Investigations into Andrew's dealings with Epstein are ongoing and relate to his role as the UK's special representative for international trade and investment from 2001 to 2011. He stepped down amid controversy over his friendship with Epstein.
Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson said: "I really don't think that anyone should expect an early resolution of the investigation. It wouldn't be at all surprising if it took over a year, not because of any lack of urgency, but because of the complexity, and also the international dimension is an extra factor to be considered."
