New Zealand's Geographic Board is considering renaming the Prince Andrew Plateau, a massive 24,278ft icy landmark in Antarctica named after the disgraced royal in 1962, according to Newstalk ZB. The move follows a public complaint about Andrew's association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Board Reviews Naming After Public Complaint
Official documents released under New Zealand's Official Information Act reveal that the issue was sparked by a complaint from a member of the public. An official from Land Information New Zealand then contacted government agencies to determine whether Buckingham Palace's approval would be required to strip Andrew's name from the plateau.
While much of the correspondence is redacted, insiders noted that royal names typically require clearance from the palace. The plateau is located in the Queen Elizabeth Range, alongside glaciers named after Princess Anne and King Charles III, making Andrew's continued presence increasingly awkward.
Alternatives Considered, No Decision Yet
One proposal to replace Andrew's name with another royal was quickly rejected. The Antarctic Naming Committee has been urged to either choose a completely new name or leave the plateau unnamed. No definitive ruling has been made, and the board is expected to revisit the issue later this year.
Andrew's Ongoing Downfall
The potential renaming is the latest blow for Andrew, who was stripped of his remaining royal titles by King Charles last year. He was arrested and later released in February over allegations of misconduct in public office, which he continues to deny. The scandal has led to widespread calls to remove his name from public landmarks.
