York Residents Call for Removal of Prince Andrew’s Title
A recent poll conducted by GB News has revealed that a significant majority of residents in York believe that Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, should be stripped of his title. The findings show that 70% of respondents are in favor of this action, while only 8% support Andrew retaining the title. The remaining 21% expressed no opinion on the matter.
Background on the Duke of York Title
The title of Duke of York is one of the most historically significant titles in the British monarchy. Traditionally granted to the second son of the reigning monarch, it has a rich history dating back to its creation in 1385. Prince Andrew received this title in 1986 as a wedding gift from his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, when he married Sarah Ferguson, who is still colloquially known as the Duchess of York despite their divorce in 1996.
Controversies Surrounding Prince Andrew
Prince Andrew’s association with numerous scandals has led to increasing public scrutiny over his title. The turning point for Andrew came in November 2019 after a widely criticized interview with the BBC’s Emily Maitlis, during which he addressed allegations of sexual misconduct linked to his former acquaintance, Jeffrey Epstein. Following this incident and mounting pressure, in January 2022, Queen Elizabeth II formally removed Andrew’s military titles, royal patronages, and styled him no longer as His Royal Highness (HRH).
In addition to the Epstein scandal, Andrew has faced allegations regarding connections with a suspected Chinese spy, further complicating his public image and association with the title of Duke of York.
Public Sentiment in York
Residents of York have vocalized their discontent regarding Prince Andrew’s connection to the city. A local resident stated, “We shouldn’t be celebrating him in York in any shape or form,” emphasizing the negative impact of Andrew’s reputation on the city’s image. Another expressed that, “His reputation taints the city—of course it does.”
Political Responses
Local politicians have also weighed in on the situation. Labour Party MP Rachael Maskell, who represents York Central, advocated for the removal of Andrew’s Duke of York title, asserting that its continuity undermines the ethical values of York. She commented, “York is a city of international standing with strong ethical values, and therefore the continuity of this title brings reputational disregard to the values of our city.”
Maskell noted that legally stripping Andrew of his title would require changes in legislation, while her colleague, Luke Charters, MP for York Outer, echoed the need for the royal family to consider the sentiments of York residents regarding this matter.
Consequences for Prince Andrew
The fallout from the scandals surrounding Prince Andrew has been profound. Following his loss of military titles and royal patronages, the City of York also voted to rescind his Freedom of the City honor. In recent months, schools named after Andrew have stated their intentions to distance themselves from his controversial legacy.
Conclusion
The poll results and public opinion suggest that the residents of York are increasingly dissatisfied with Prince Andrew’s continued association with the historic Duke of York title. As discussions unfold, the royal family faces a challenging decision regarding both the future of the title and the implications for the broader perception of the monarchy.