What's happened
Several UK towns, including Carrickfergus and Maidenhead, are planning to rename streets named after Prince Andrew following his loss of royal titles amid allegations linked to Jeffrey Epstein. The moves reflect ongoing efforts to distance the royal family from controversy, with local councils initiating consultations and logistical preparations for the name changes.
What's behind the headline?
The renaming of streets linked to Prince Andrew signifies a broader societal and institutional effort to dissociate from controversial figures tied to scandals. Local councils are balancing respect for historical naming conventions with public demand for accountability and moral clarity. The process involves logistical challenges, including engaging with statutory bodies and managing costs for residents. This movement also highlights how public opinion and political pressures can influence local governance, especially when dealing with symbols of national history. The decision to rename streets after other royal figures or historical personalities indicates a desire to preserve royal connections while distancing from scandal. The outcome will likely set a precedent for how communities handle controversial historical figures in public spaces, emphasizing transparency and community consensus.
What the papers say
The Guardian reports that councils are considering renaming streets like Prince Andrew Way following his loss of titles and the scandal surrounding his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The article highlights the logistical and political challenges involved, including public consultations and costs. The NY Post emphasizes the community's discomfort and public pressure, with residents and councillors advocating for renaming streets to honor other royal figures or the late Queen Elizabeth II. Both sources agree that the move is driven by a desire to protect the royal family's reputation and respond to public sentiment, but differ slightly in tone—The Guardian focusing on procedural aspects, and the NY Post highlighting community reactions and vandalism incidents. The Independent notes that the legal framework requires 'sufficient local support' for street name changes, which complicates the process, and mentions that plaques and memorials are also being reconsidered. Overall, the coverage underscores a growing trend of reevaluating public symbols associated with controversial figures, with local authorities navigating legal, logistical, and community considerations.
How we got here
Prince Andrew was stripped of his royal titles and faced increased scrutiny over his association with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. The decision by King Charles to remove Andrew's titles and privileges was announced in November 2025, amid allegations and public pressure. Local authorities in the UK, particularly in Northern Ireland and other regions, are now considering renaming streets originally named in his honor, reflecting broader efforts to address the royal family's reputation and public sentiment.
Go deeper
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Jeffrey Edward Epstein was an American financier and convicted sex offender. He began his professional life as a teacher but then switched to the banking and finance sector in various roles, working at Bear Stearns before forming his own firm.
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Elizabeth II is the queen of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms. She was born in London as the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York, later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, and she was educated privately at home.
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Virginia Louise Giuffre is an American advocate of justice for sex trafficking victims. She is one of the most prominent and outspoken survivors of the sex trafficking ring that was operated by convicted sex offender and financier Jeffrey Epstein.
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Charles, Prince of Wales is the heir apparent to the British throne as the eldest child of Queen Elizabeth II. He has been Duke of Cornwall and Duke of Rothesay since 1952, and he is the oldest and longest-serving heir apparent in British history.