The Berkshire town of Maidenhead is facing growing calls to strip its streets of names honouring Prince Andrew, with local politicians describing the current road signs as "embarrassing" for the community.
Conservative councillor Wisdom Da Costa has taken the lead in campaigning for change, arguing that the association with the disgraced Duke of York has become untenable following his legal settlements and withdrawal from royal duties.
What's in a name?
Currently, several residential roads in the town bear the Andrew name, including Duke of York Walk and Duke of York Court. These developments were named during a period when the prince maintained a higher public profile and served as the local MP's constituency neighbour.
"The name has become an embarrassment," Da Costa stated bluntly. "Residents shouldn't have to explain their address in relation to a royal mired in controversy."
A changing royal landscape
The push for renaming comes against the backdrop of Prince Andrew's dramatic fall from grace. Since stepping back from public duties in 2019 and settling a sexual assault lawsuit in 2022, the prince has become increasingly isolated from the royal family's working members.
Local residents have expressed mixed feelings about the proposed changes. While some agree the names should go, others question whether renaming addresses would create unnecessary bureaucracy for homeowners and businesses.
The road ahead
Formally changing street names requires consultation with residents and approval from the local council's cabinet. The process typically involves significant administrative work and cost, factors that critics argue should be considered carefully.
However, supporters of the change maintain that the community's reputation is at stake. "We need names that reflect pride in our area, not embarrassment," one campaigner noted.
The debate in Maidenhead reflects broader questions about how communities should handle memorials and names associated with controversial figures as public attitudes evolve.
