Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is facing increased public scrutiny as demands escalate for the removal of a monument he inaugurated. Stripped of the honorary title associated with York due to his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the former Duke of York is now under pressure to have a commemorative plaque removed from the Millennium Bridge in the city. The silver plaque, bearing the inscription ‘This plaque was unveiled by His Royal Highness The Duke of York, CVO, ADC,’ was revealed by Andrew during the bridge’s opening ceremony in May 2001.
Local residents and officials are advocating for the removal of the plaque, with one individual suggesting leaving it unaltered while another insisting on its immediate removal. Andrew was recently arrested on suspicion of misconduct while serving as a trade envoy, accused of sharing confidential information with Epstein. Despite these allegations, he maintains his innocence and has not been formally charged.
Council authorities are reportedly deliberating on the appropriate course of action regarding the plaque, with confirmation that steps will be taken. Plans to modify the text on the plaque are expected to move forward without the need for formal planning approvals.
Councilor Darryl Smalley, instrumental in revoking Andrew’s honorary title from the city, emphasized the necessity of removing the plaque from the Millennium Bridge. He emphasized the importance of erasing any trace of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the city’s history.
In addition to the plaque controversy, various institutions in York are distancing themselves from Andrew. York Racecourse has renamed a prestigious race event, removing the Duke of York title entirely. Andrew relinquished his roles as royal patron of York Racecourse and the York Minster Fund in 2019, with Queen Camilla taking over as royal patron in 2024.
The removal trend extends to public establishments like the Duke of York pub at York Railway station, now renamed the Line and Whistle. However, another pub bearing the Duke of York name has opted to retain its original title upon reopening later this year.
Deputy leader of the City of York Council, Cllr Pete Kilbane, acknowledged the public sentiment to disassociate from Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and emphasized the willingness to address any plaques within the city associated with him. He assured a swift process for making changes to plaques not linked to heritage sites, in alignment with the public’s desire to distance themselves from the former duke.
