The Falkland Islands have systematically erased all public recognition of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, removing plaques the former prince unveiled during multiple visits to the British overseas territory he once defended as a helicopter pilot.
Complete Removal of Royal Memorials
Four commemorative plaques bearing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's name have been taken down from public buildings across the Falkland Islands, dealing another significant blow to the disgraced royal. The move comes just a fortnight after King Charles III stripped his brother of his Prince and Duke of York titles, severing his last remaining formal connections to the territory he served during the 1982 conflict.
The Mirror can exclusively reveal that every plaque Andrew unveiled during his post-war visits has now been removed, including memorials at Mount Pleasant Airport, the Infant Junior School in Stanley, a Falklands Conservation trust field station, and the KEMH Hospital.
Airport Leads the Purge
Mount Pleasant Airport officials confirmed they wiped all association with the former Duke after his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein became public knowledge. Andrew had returned to the Falklands in 1985 to open the £300 million airport, with photographs from the time showing him unveiling a plaque before cheering crowds.
Thousands attended the 1985 ceremony, many waving placards reading "British forever." The then-Prince was presented with a silver engraved map of the Islands and met construction workers behind the project. That wall hanging has now been removed entirely.
The Ministry of Defence, which operates the RAF base at Mount Pleasant, stated: "Defence continues to act in line with His Majesty's intent regarding the process to remove the style, titles and honours of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor."
Educational and Conservation Links Severed
During his 2002 visit, Andrew opened several additional buildings, including a new block at the Infant Junior School in the capital Stanley. After drawing curtains on a plaque during the ceremony, he toured facilities with teachers and governors and watched students play ball games.
A school representative confirmed this week: "The plaque has been taken down and the Duke of York is no longer connected to our school."
As patron of the Falklands Conservation trust, Andrew had travelled to New Island to open an environmental field station and launched an 'Adopt a Penguin' scheme. A staff member at the wildlife centre revealed: "He was removed as patron and the plaque at the field centre has gone."
Earlier Removals and Local Reaction
The hospital plaque bearing Andrew's name was actually removed back in 2022 when he reached an out-of-court settlement with Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sleeping with her when she was 17. Member of Parliament for the territory John Birmingham commented at the time: "Renovation work is underway, and given that the Prince is retiring from public life, the plaque bearing his name will be given to the Falklands Museum."
Local resident Kaylee Smith, 33, who was born and raised on the Islands, told the Mirror: "Andrew has rightfully been stripped of his titles and plaques – he has brought shame upon his family and the country he once represented."
Military Service and Fall from Grace
Andrew served in the Royal Navy for 22 years, and during the 1982 conflict with Argentina over the Falkland Islands, he acted as a Sea King helicopter co-pilot. One of his key tasks involved serving as a decoy for Argentina's Exocet missiles during the two-month war that began when Argentina invaded the British-held Islands.
He returned from the conflict as a hero, famously greeted at Portsmouth by his mother Queen Elizabeth II, who handed him a red rose that he placed between his teeth. Andrew was awarded the South Atlantic Medal, known as the Falklands Medal and a rosette – the only accolades he has been permitted to retain.
Beyond losing his princehood and dukedom, Andrew has been stripped of his Order of the Garter knighthood, military titles, and patronage for the Falkland Islands memorial chapel in Reading.
Devastating Personal Impact
A source close to the situation revealed: "Andrew's connection with the Falklands was his last remaining source of pride. The fact his name has now been stripped from key public buildings there will be truly devastating for him."
The Falklands plaque removals follow similar actions at institutions across Britain, including Chase Farm Hospital in north London, and universities in Manchester, Huddersfield, and Newcastle.
Andrew faces eviction from Windsor's Royal Lodge, where he lived with ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, and will move to Norfolk's Sandringham estate in a privately-funded move arranged by King Charles. He also confronts the threat of private prosecution by anti-monarchy pressure group Republic over allegations of sexual assault, misconduct in a public office, and corruption.
