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Majority of York Residents Advocate for Removal of Prince Andrew’s Title

Recent survey results indicate a significant shift in public opinion regarding Prince Andrew, with 70 percent of York’s residents expressing that he should be stripped of his Duke of York title. This poll, conducted by GB News, highlights a growing discontent among locals, as only 8 percent support retaining the title, and 21 percent are undecided.

The Duke of York title, one of the most prestigious in the British monarchy, is traditionally granted to the monarch’s second son. This title has historical significance, held previously by notable royals, including Andrew’s father, King George VI, before he ascended the throne. The title was conferred upon Andrew in 1986 as a wedding gift from his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, and remains steeped in royal heritage.

Despite the ongoing debate, Buckingham Palace has confirmed that there are currently no plans to revoke Andrew’s title. The Duke of York title, established in 1385, is among the oldest in British history. For Queen Elizabeth II, the title had personal significance, as it was previously held by her father.

Andrew’s standing within the royal family underwent a significant transformation beginning in 2019, following a widely criticized BBC Newsnight interview where he addressed allegations surrounding his relationship with the late Jeffrey Epstein. This controversy has been compounded by more recent accusations linking him to an alleged Chinese spy, raising further concerns about his association with the title.

In a decisive response to the fallout from the Newsnight interview, Queen Elizabeth stripped Andrew of his military honors, royal patronages, and the title of His Royal Highness. He subsequently stepped down as an active member of the royal family.

The sentiment within York appears to be one of disapproval towards Andrew’s continued use of the title. One local resident remarked, “We shouldn’t be celebrating him in York in any shape or form,” while another stated, “His reputation taints the city—of course it does.”

Political figures have also weighed in on the ongoing situation. Rachael Maskell, a Labour Party MP for York Central, expressed her view that removing Andrew’s title would be a fitting action, highlighting the need for the royal family to align with the ethical values that the city of York represents. In her words, “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, so its association should be discontinued.”

Maskell noted that enacting such a change would require legislative action and acknowledged the royal family’s role in the decision. Luke Charters, MP for York Outer, echoed her sentiments, indicating that the royal family should consider the opinions of York residents regarding the title’s future.

In recent years, additional consequences of Andrew’s controversies have emerged, including the councilors’ decision to revoke his Freedom of the City of York honor. Furthermore, educational institutions named after him, such as the Prince Andrew School, have expressed intentions to dissociate from the royal due to his controversial background.

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