MEA Council backs Alliance Party motion to rename Prince Andrew Way in Carrickfergus

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has voted to support a motion to rename Prince Andrew Way in Carrickfergus, following growing public concern over continued association with the disgraced former royal.

The motion, brought forward by the Alliance Party during a meeting on Monday evening (24 November), proposes renaming the street while retaining a link to the Royal Family.

Carrickfergus Castle Councillor Lauren Gray said the council would “work to rename Prince Andrew Way while maintaining the important link to the Royal Family”.

Background to the move

The decision comes in the wake of His Majesty King Charles III initiating a formal process on 30 October “to remove the style, titles and honours of Prince Andrew”, according to a Buckingham Palace statement.

The statement added: “These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him. Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.”

The move follows years of scrutiny over Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s links to convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, allegations which Andrew has always strenuously denied.

Calls to honour Queen Elizabeth II

Cllr Gray said the council had already been exploring ways to honour the late Queen Elizabeth II, adding that renaming the street could be a “fitting tribute and options should be presented back to councillors for a final decision”.

Prince Andrew made several official visits to Carrickfergus during his time as Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Irish Regiment, including attending events marking the 50th anniversary of VE Day in 1995.

DUP: ‘Carrickfergus should reflect dignity and respect’

In a separate statement, East Antrim DUP MLA Cheryl Brownlee confirmed that the DUP group on council had also tabled a motion calling for the formal renaming process to begin, including consultation with local residents to identify a “suitable alternative that honours the heritage and character” of the town.

A statement posted on social media by the Carrickfergus DUP team said:

“This is not a decision taken lightly, but it is the right one to ensure Carrickfergus remains a place associated with dignity and respect.

“The Carrickfergus DUP team believe that the continued association of our town with Prince Andrew, through the naming of Prince Andrew Way, is no longer appropriate.”

The statement added that “Carrickfergus has a proud history and strong community values and it is vital that the names of our streets reflect those values”, noting the party had been “firm on this since 2021, when the late Queen Elizabeth II stripped Andrew of his HRH and military titles.”

Alliance: ‘The community must be heard’

Following the council meeting, Cllr Lauren Gray welcomed the decision to proceed with renaming efforts.

She said:

“This has been an ongoing issue for many in Carrickfergus and it is welcome that we are now able to start the process of moving forward with the renaming process.”

She added that community involvement will be key:

“What has been clear throughout the many conversations taking place, both online and across the community, is that the voices of the people of Carrickfergus must be heard, which is why I’m delighted a mechanism for a public consultation will be included.”

Cllr Gray also highlighted the timing ahead of the annual 16 Days Against Gender-Based Violence campaign: “Our utmost sympathies are with the victims and survivors of any form of abuse.”

Alliance councillor Aaron Skinner said many residents had expressed discomfort at retaining the name.

He said:

“Across Carrickfergus, I’ve spoken with many residents who feel deeply uneasy about continuing to honour Andrew Mountbatten in this way. It is clear that he no longer reflects the values of our community.”

Cllr Skinner added:

“Given everything that has come to light and continues to come to light, the name needs to change. This vote tonight started that process with a commitment to rename the street and council officers will now begin the work to map out a clear, transparent process for consultation and name selection in a way that reflects the views of the people of Carrickfergus.”

A formal consultation and name-selection process will now be developed by council officers, with further details expected in the coming weeks.