By Tony O’Reily-
A street in Carrickfergus named after Prince Andrew could have its name changed, with a debate on the matter set to be held by the local council.
A motion on changing the name of Prince Andrew Way on the eastern outskirts of Carrickfergus will be debated in June by Mid and East Antrim Council, The Eye Of Media.Com has heard.
It comes after the Queen’s second son agreed to settle the civil sex assault claim brought against him by Virginia Giuffre, which is estimated to be £12m. There has been speculation that the huge settlement will be paid by the Queen, but the Duke Of York is in the process of selling his multimillion-pound Swiss ski chalet, but the deal yet to go through.
Following the settlement, there have been a number of calls made for streets bearing the duke’s name to be changed. A number of streets across Northern Ireland feature the name of the royal, including Prince Andrew Crescent in the village of Moygashel, Co Tyrone.
Two adjacent streets in south Belfast also named after the royal, Prince Andrew Park and Prince Andrew Gardens, both just off the Donegall Road next to Belfast City Hospital may be renamed. Yesterday, Wednesday, the Mp of York called for Prince Andrew to lose his title of Duke Of York in response to news of the settlement.
Ms Giuffre had undertaken a legal suit against the Duke of York, claiming he sexually assaulted her on three occasions when she was 17, allegations he has repeatedly denied. She claims she was scared of the consequences of refusal because of the power associated with the Prince and Jeffery Epstein, who committed suicide whilst serving a life sentence in prison for his multiple crimes.
Virginia Giuffre did not sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) as part of her settlement with Prince Andrew, paving the way for her to speak out about the alleged sexual abuse and bring more shame on the British royal family.
Following the settlement, there have been demands to rename streets bearing the duke’s name. A number of streets across Northern Ireland feature the name of the royal, including Prince Andrew Crescent in the village of Moygashel, Co Tyrone.
Two adjacent streets in south Belfast also named after the royal, Prince Andrew Park and Prince Andrew Gardens, both just off the Donegall Road next to Belfast City Hospital may be renamed.
A Mid and East Antrim Council spokesperson said in a statement to The Eye Of Media.Com: “This is a matter for elected members and a motion to change the name of Prince Andrew Way in Carrickfergus is expected to be brought before council in June 2022, at which time it will considered by elected members.”
The Duke of York had promised to fight to clear his name, but Prince Charles, supported by the Queen insisted his younger brother settled the case for the sake of the monarchy.
According to The Daily Telegraph, a clause prevents the duke from repeating his claim that he does not recall meeting Ms Giuffre.
Under the terms of the agreement, Ms Guiffre could soon be free to speak publicly under the terms of the agreement reached this weekend, the paper reports. There had been calls for clarity over Prince Andrew’s role in public life and how he will fund a financial settlement, after settling the US civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre.
The prospect of the duke being cross-examined on screen by legal interrogators reportedly filled the Prince of Wales, Her Majesty and other senior royals with dread, according to sources, forcing the settlement.