Britain’s disgraced former prince Andrew (Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Venues across the North East have been cutting their ties with shamed royal Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor following his arrest.
The former Duke of York, previously known as Prince Andrew, was arrested at the Sandringham Estate, in Norfolk last week. He was questioned on suspicion of misconduct in a public office before being released on bail.
Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to his friendship with dead paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. But King Charles stripped his brother of his Royal titles in November.
Meanwhile businesses and organisation across the region have also been distancing themselves from Andrew, who has made a number of visits to the North East to open venues.
The former Prince officially opened Trinity Square shopping centre in Gateshead, a building at Newcastle University, and Sunderland’s Stadium of Light. But all have removed plaques he unveiled over recent years.
Trinity Square, in Gateshead(Image: handout)
Trinity Square’s Centre manager Sharron Ashurst said: “We removed the plaque commemorating the opening of Trinity Square by the former Prince Andrew a few years ago. The decision was made after careful consideration, and while we acknowledge the historical nature of our opening event, we recognise that retaining the plaque could cause concern or distraction for our shoppers and visitors.
“Our priority is to uphold our values, maintain public confidence, and provide an environment that is welcoming and inclusive to all.”
It was in 2014 that Andrew, famed as being the Queen’s favourite son, opened the £150m development that brought 1,500 jobs to Gateshead. The then Duke took time to see how Gateshead town centre was being been regenerated and, over a working lunch with local business leaders, met apprentices and students who have benefited from the Tesco scheme, which created rooms for 1,000 Northumbria University students.
At the time, he said: “It’s a privilege to learn what a wonderful effort everybody has put in to the redevelopment of this whole area. “And it’s a pleasure to be able to see Trinity Square and what it has become – it’s fantastic.”
Back in 1997 Andrew officially opened Sunderland AFC’s Stadium of Light after the club moved from its old ground, Roker Park. The then Royal is understood to have had dinner in one of the stadium’s function suites during his time in Sunderland. A plaque was later installed at the ground to mark the Royal visit.
However, the club confirmed in 2022 that it had been removed.
Andrew was in Newcastle in 2010 to open Newcastle University’s student and administrative services building. At the time he said the visit was extra special due to the fact his daughter, Princess Eugenie, was in the first year of her English Literature and Art History degree at the institution.
Once again the special guest unveiled a plaque marking his presence. But Newcastle University confirmed this was removed in 2019.
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