Hellesdon Residents Consider Street Name Change Amid Royal Scandal
Residents of Hellesdon, a village of approximately 11,000 in eastern England, are grappling with the implications of a scandal surrounding Prince Andrew. Following revelations of his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the royal family stripped Andrew of his titles last month. This development has prompted residents of Prince Andrews Road to explore the possibility of renaming their street.
Local councilor Shelagh Gurney noted that changing the street name would be a complex process. It requires a unanimous decision among the 107 properties on the road and the adjacent cul-de-sac. “It would be very difficult to obtain a consensus of all residents,” Gurney stated. Her communications with residents indicate that such agreement is unlikely.
The scandal surrounding Andrew, which includes allegations of sexual abuse that he denies, has intensified pressure on the royal family. Following the allegations, he was evicted from his residence near Windsor Castle and is now known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. Despite this, residents of Prince Andrews Road continue to live on a street that is not named after the disgraced royal, according to Gurney. The road honors his grandfather, Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark, who passed away in 1944.
Even if residents were to reach a consensus on a name change, the process would be cumbersome and costly. Gurney explained that they would face “significant disruption,” as a legal name change necessitates updates to land ownership records, utilities, insurance, driving licenses, and various other documents.
In addition to Hellesdon, other locations are also reconsidering their associations with the name Prince Andrew. For instance, in Maidenhead, situated about 30 miles west of London, there are streets named after Andrew that could be affected. Residents there face similar challenges regarding any potential name changes.
In London’s upscale Fitzrovia neighborhood, the Duke of York pub removed a sign depicting Andrew earlier this year, reflecting a broader trend of distancing from his image. Outside of England, Canada has also seen discussions around renaming places associated with Andrew. A notable example is Prince Andrew Island, located in the Otonabee River near Lakefield, Ontario. The mayor of Selwyn Township, which encompasses Lakefield, announced that the township council will consider a name change in an upcoming meeting.
These discussions not only illustrate the local impact of the scandal but also highlight the complexities involved in renaming places tied to historical figures. As communities navigate these challenges, the name Prince Andrew continues to evoke strong sentiments, reflecting a significant shift in public perception.
