Residents exploring name change for Maidenhead’s Prince Andrew Road

Residents living in a street named after the disgraced Prince Andrew are exploring whether the road’s name could be changed.

Andrew announced last week he is giving up his royal titles, including the Duke of York, following fresh scrutiny over his links to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

He stepped back from royal duties five years ago following a disastrous BBC interview about his friendship with the US financier, but continues to ‘vigorously deny the accusations’ against him.

The tarnishing of Andrew’s name has left some living in Maidenhead’s Prince Andrew Road ‘embarrassed’ about its association with the 65-year-old.

Tom Kirk moved to Prince Andrew Road earlier this year with his partner and two-year-old son.

He told the Advertiser: “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.”

He added: “There’s the ethical standpoint with the association. This road name is now linked to controversy, given the severity of the allegations that continue to come through.

“In terms of where you live from a community side, it should reflect strong values like integrity, equality, respect.

“This road name doesn’t really represent that.”

The sense of embarrassment was shared by other people living on the quiet residential street near Deerswood Meadow.

One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “Every time I go anywhere and I have to bring up my address I feel quite ashamed and embarrassed having to say Prince Andrew Road.

“You’ve removed all of his titles and everything else, why should we have to live on a road that’s named after him?”

It is understood the road was named after the Queen’s second son following his birth in 1960. It is also adjoined by a street named Prince Andrew Close.

Tom has contacted Windsor and Maidenhead council to explore how a name change could be secured.

In a response, seen by the Advertiser, the council said a public notice must be placed at each end of the street notifying residents of the proposal.

Consultation should be carried out with organisations such as the council, Royal Mail and Highways England while 100 per cent of residents must be in agreement with the change.

A couple who have lived on the road since the 1960s said they would like to see the name changed but recognised the administrative hurdles this would cause.

“You’ve got to change all your mailing addresses, your bank account, passport and everything.”

Trisha Ray, who has lived in Prince Andrew Road since 1977, added: “All the people I’d have to contact with my new address, I think it’s possibly more trouble than it’s worth.

“I would like it to be changed but I’m aware of the disruption it will cause and all the people I’ll need to contact.”

A council spokesperson said: “There is a formal legal process for requests to rename street names.

“In addition, the council has its own criteria and standards that must be met, including full consent from all affected property owners and adherence to national addressing conventions.

“Any formal application will be assessed in line with these procedures. Further details, including requirements and fees, can be found on our website.”