Ex-Prince Andrew Confronts New Humiliation Over York Landmark Plaque
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York, is facing renewed public humiliation as demands escalate for the removal of a plaque he unveiled in the city twenty-five years ago. This development follows his earlier loss of the freedom of York, stemming from revelations about his association with convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Calls to 'Rip It Down and Stick It in a Skip'
Local councillors and residents are now urging the removal of a silver plaque from York's Millennium Bridge. The plaque, inscribed with 'This plaque was unveiled by His Royal Highness The Duke of York, CVO, ADC,' was originally unveiled by Andrew at the bridge's opening ceremony on May 29, 2001. Public sentiment is strongly against its retention, with one resident bluntly stating, "Don't waste money altering it," while another advocated, "Rip it down and stick it in a skip."
Council Weighs Options Amid Legal Context
City of York Council authorities are currently evaluating whether to remove or alter the text on the plaque, confirming that action will be taken. Notably, changes to the plaque are not subject to planning requirements, facilitating a quicker resolution. This situation arises as Andrew was arrested last month on suspicion of misconduct in public office, related to allegations of sharing sensitive information with Epstein during his tenure as a trade envoy. Andrew has not been charged and consistently denies any wrongdoing.
Political and Public Efforts to Expunge Association
Councillor Darryl Smalley, who spearheaded the initiative to revoke Andrew's freedom of the city, strongly supports the plaque's removal. "Obviously it should be removed," he asserted, adding, "We just need to expunge all record of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the city and we’ve done a pretty good job of that so far." Smalley, a Liberal Democrat who previously served as culture and communities boss, highlighted a similar action where a plaque commemorating Andrew's opening of the Oaken Grove Community Centre in 2005 was covered in plasterboard during library renovations.
Broader Disassociation Across York Institutions
Several York organisations have actively distanced themselves from the former duke. York Racecourse has renamed the 1895 Duke of York Stakes to the Minster Stakes, completely dropping the Duke of York title from its race programme. Andrew stepped down as royal patron of York Racecourse in 2019, with Queen Camilla assuming the role in 2024, and also resigned as patron of the York Minster Fund after fifteen years. Additionally, the Duke of York pub at York Railway station was rebranded as the Line and Whistle following a refurbishment, though another pub bearing the name has indicated it will not change upon reopening.
Council's Response and Future Actions
Deputy leader of City of York Council, Councillor Pete Kilbane, acknowledged residents' desires to disassociate from Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. "Residents have been clear about their wish to disassociate the city with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and this extends to any plaques located around the city," he stated. Kilbane noted the absence of a central record for all plaques and encouraged public assistance in identifying them. He clarified that while a planning process applies to listed structures, other changes can be made swiftly without diminishing the contributions of other involved parties.
