Residents living on a road named after disgraced Prince Andrew say they feel ’embarrassed’ to live there and are calling for it to be renamed.
Locals in Maidenhead, Berkshire, say they are ashamed of living on Prince Andrew Road following renewed scrutiny over the Duke’s association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Two weeks ago, Andrew gave up his Duke of York title and remaining honours in an effort to avoid distracting from the Royal Family‘s work.
But pressure is still mounting for him to vacate Royal Lodge, the 30-room Windsor mansion he shares with ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, which he secured on a 75-year lease in 2003.
Now residents just 11 miles away from the property want to distance themselves from the scandal-hit royal.
Tom Kirk, who moved to Prince Andrew Road earlier this year with his partner and two-year-old son, said: ‘The initial feeling that stands out more than anything is it’s kind of an embarrassing association.
‘Whenever you speak with someone, if you’re ordering something or tell someone where you live there’s always raised eyebrows.’
Speaking to the Maidenhead Advertiser, he added: ‘There’s the ethical standpoint with the association.
Locals in Maidenhead, Berkshire, say they are ashamed of living on Prince Andrew Road following renewed scrutiny over the Duke’s association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein
Residents just 11 miles away from the property want to distance themselves from the scandal-hit royal
Two weeks ago, Andrew gave up his Duke of York title and remaining honours in an effort to avoid distracting from the Royal Family’s work
‘This road name is now linked to controversy, given the severity of the allegations that continue to come through.’
Another resident said they feel ‘quite ashamed’ every time they mention their address, adding: ‘You’ve removed all of his titles and everything else, why should we have to live on a road that’s named after him?’
A couple who have lived there since the 1960s also backed a name change but acknowledged the inconvenience it would cause, saying: ‘You’ve got to change all your mailing addresses, your bank account, passport and everything.’
The street, along with neighbouring Prince Andrew Close, was named after the late Queen’s second son following his birth in 1960.
Mr Kirk has contacted Windsor and Maidenhead Council to ask how residents can apply for a name change.
In response, the council said a public notice must be displayed at both ends of the street to notify residents of any proposal.
A spokesperson told the newspaper the authority follows formal procedures and must obtain consent from all affected property owners, in line with national addressing standards.
Any application, they said, will be assessed according to these rules, with further details, including requirements and fees, available on the council’s website.
Daily Mail has approached Windsor and Maidenhead Council for comment.
It comes after last weekend’s Mail on Sunday revealed that Prince Andrew allegedly asked his taxpayer-funded Met bodyguard to dig up information on Virginia Giuffre, passing on her date of birth and social security number – claims he denies.
A palace source told the paper the allegations were ‘very serious and of grave concern’ and ‘should be examined in the proper and fullest ways.’
Ms Giuffre, who took her own life earlier this year, claimed that paedophile Epstein trafficked her to London and forced her to have sex with the prince, allegations Andrew has repeatedly and vehemently denied.
Pressure is still mounting for him to vacate Royal Lodge, the 30-room Windsor mansion he shares with ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, which he secured on a 75-year lease in 2003
Prince Andrew’s accuser Virginia Giuffre has describes a childhood so blighted by horrific abuse that she became the ‘perfect victim’ for sexual predators Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Ms Giuffre, then 17, is pictured with Andrew in 2001
In an autobiography which has been published posthumously tells the full story of how she was recruited by Maxwell to be Epstein’s sex slave.
Reports have since suggested King Charles may pay Andrew out of his own pocket to leave Royal Lodge, from which he cannot be legally evicted.
The Mail on Sunday also revealed Epstein introduced Andrew to another woman he had abused for years, although there have been no allegations about Andrew’s conduct towards her, and that the financier bankrolled Sarah Ferguson for more than 15 years.