York Considers Removing Prince Andrew Bridge Plaque
A plaque on York’s Millennium Bridge bearing Prince Andrew’s name has become the subject of renewed debate, with local voices calling for it to be removed more than two decades after it was installed following the bridge’s opening.
Yahoo News reported that the silver plaque, which notes it was unveiled by “His Royal Highness The Duke of York” during the bridge opening in May 2001, has drawn scrutiny as residents and councillors discuss how far the city should go in distancing itself from the Duke.
According to the report, York has already stripped Prince Andrew of the freedom of the city, and locals have expressed differing views on the cost and value of altering the marker, ranging from calls for immediate removal to arguments against spending public money on changes.
Councillor Mr Darryl Smalley, who led the move to remove the Duke’s freedom of the city, was quoted as saying the plaque “obviously” should be removed and that the aim was to “expunge all record” of Prince Andrew from the city. The discussion comes amid ongoing coverage of the Duke, including a recent Britpop News report in which he faced fresh scrutiny over alleged massage expenses.
Deputy council leader Mr Peter Kilbane told the BBC there is a planning process for plaques attached to listed structures where proposals are made to add, remove or alter them, while adding that the council was not aware of any heritage plaques linked to the Duke. Any decision on the Millennium Bridge marker is expected to hinge on the status of the structure and the required approvals.
