Plaque Commemorating Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's Visit Removed from Inverness Town House
A plaque marking a visit by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to Inverness has been taken down from the city's Town House and placed into storage. The plaque dated from his 2018 visit to commemorate the completion of renovations to the building in the city centre.
The removal occurred on Wednesday, February 25, according to Highland Council officials. A council spokesperson confirmed that the plaque is now being stored within the Town House facility itself.
Arrest and Allegations Prompt Removal
The action comes after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested last week on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The allegations center on claims that he shared sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein during his tenure as a trade envoy between 2001 and 2011.
The former prince has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with these allegations. His arrest follows King Charles's decision last October to strip Andrew of his royal titles, including the Earl of Inverness designation.
Other Scottish Councils Reviewing Similar Memorials
Elsewhere in Scotland, local authorities are examining their own commemorations of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's visits:
- Dumfries and Galloway Council confirmed awareness of a plaque at Castle Douglas Primary School marking the former prince's visit to open the facility. A spokesperson stated: "No decision has been taken to remove the plaque. Current matters relating to Mr Mountbatten-Windsor are ongoing and it would be inappropriate for the council to prejudge the outcome."
- Clackmannanshire Council is aware of a paving stone in Alloa commemorating a visit by the former prince and will consider the matter, according to BBC reports.
Council representatives emphasized they are continuing to check records for any other memorials connected to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's previous visits across Scotland.
Parliamentary Scrutiny Intensifies
The controversy extends to Westminster, where MPs unanimously supported a Liberal Democrat motion calling for the public release of files detailing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's appointment as trade envoy. These documents are expected to include vetting records and any correspondence from former Business Secretary Peter Mandelson.
During Commons debates on Tuesday, MPs from across the political spectrum criticized the former prince's conduct:
- Conservative minister Alex Burghart suggested it was "possible to identify the hand of Epstein" in the 2001 appointment.
- Labour's trade minister Sir Chris Bryant described Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor as a "rude, arrogant and entitled man" engaged in "constant self-aggrandising and self-enriching hustle."
- Monica Harding, MP for Esher and Walton, noted the former prince remained in his post for ten years despite having a "reputation that preceded him," with concerns being "met with a shrug."
The UK government is now preparing to release the requested files, which will shed further light on the circumstances surrounding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's controversial appointment and tenure as trade envoy.
