Residents of Prince Andrew’s Road in Hellesdon, near Norwich, are raising questions about whether the street’s name should be changed, following renewed public attention on the former Prince Andrew.
Last week, the ex-prince was stripped of his title due to his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Councillor Shelagh Gurney said several residents had contacted her, expressing discomfort at being associated with the former royal. “Changing the name would involve solicitors and a lot of expense for residents, who would have to update their address on all official documents,” she noted.
However, Gurney highlighted a key historical detail that may ease concerns. Research indicates the road was actually named after Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark, the grandfather of Prince Philip, who died in 1944—long before the birth of the former Duke of York. “There’s a kind of misconception that this road is named after Prince Andrew… now Mr Mountbatten Windsor,” she said.
Any potential change would require unanimous approval from all 107 households on the street, making the process complicated. Opinions among residents are divided. Stacy Baldry, 41, said she preferred to avoid association with the former prince: “I feel it’s very unfortunate… we wouldn’t want any association with the name. I don’t even want to say the name.”
In contrast, 85-year-old Valerie Attfield expressed indifference, suggesting the cost and effort would outweigh any benefit. “That’s going to cost more money, and it’s not only here: there’s another one at Thorpe,” she said.
Linda Pendergrass, also a resident, said she had no objections. “Honestly, I don’t care. Not in the slightest… Even if I were staying here, I wouldn’t be putting up a fuss about changing the name of the road.” Pendergrass is in the process of moving closer to Sandringham, the King’s private estate, where the former prince will reside.
As the debate continues, residents remain divided between historical clarification and modern sensitivities, with no decision expected in the immediate future.
