Northern Irish Council Removes Prince Andrew's Name From Street Following Epstein Scandal

A council in Northern Ireland has voted unanimously to rename a street in Carrickfergus that was previously named after Britain's disgraced former prince Andrew.

Mid and East Antrim Council has become the first in the United Kingdom to remove the ex-prince's name from a street following King Charles III's decision to distance his brother - now known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor - from public duties.

This decision comes after the King formally stripped his younger brother of his royal titles earlier this month due to his connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

"Andrew Mountbatten no longer represents the values of Carrickfergus," stated Aaron Skinner, a local councillor who supported the renaming, in his comments to AFP on Tuesday.

The council's vote on Monday concerned Prince Andrew Way, a main road located approximately 16 kilometres (10 miles) northeast of Belfast.

Councillor Skinner explained, "With the actions the Palace has taken to remove some of the titles, we felt that now was the time to do this. If it's good enough for the King to do that then it's good enough for us."

Local residents have largely expressed support for the decision, with some questioning why action wasn't taken sooner.

Lesley Rockett, a 41-year-old care worker, commented: "The street should have been renamed as soon as the Virginia Giuffre book was published. I've just read it and it's really damning in my opinion."

William Foster, a 68-year-old retired power station worker, agreed: "It reflects on the local community, so should be changed."

According to residents, one of the street signs still bearing the ex-prince's name was defaced with black paint several months ago.

Skinner indicated that the council is considering several royal alternatives for the new street name, including Princess Catherine and Queen Elizabeth II. A public consultation and additional council vote are expected to take place in the coming months.

While several town councils in England have indicated they are considering similar actions, none have yet proceeded to a formal vote on the matter.