The commemorative plaque, which marks the 400th anniversary of Lisburn City, was removed at Lagan Valley Island over the Christmas period, but the council has remained tight-lipped on the circumstances.
It had gained controversial status after the royal family member was linked to billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, with political parties at the council supporting an end to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s legacy at the Lisburn civic centre.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) has been asked for clarity on the matter.
A spokesperson said: “It is no longer in place.”
When the local authority was asked for more information about the removal, it responded: “The council has no further comment to make on this matter.”
The tree at council headquarters was planted by the then Duke of York in September 2009.
The commemorative shrub was planted by Prince Andrew in Lisburn in September 2009
Buckingham Palace previously said all legacy matters, such as the plaque and street names, would be a matter for local councils.
Andrew has been stripped of all his royal titles, including the Duke of York, due to his links to Epstein, and is now known as ‘Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’.
Virginia Giuffre, the woman who alleged that Andrew had sex with her at Ghislaine Maxwell’s house when she was 17, died by suicide earlier in 2025. The former prince has continued to deny all sexual abuse allegations.
The details of the decision to remove the plaque at Lagan Valley Island and what may replace it remain uncertain.
All main parties at Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) were asked if they had been made aware of the removal of the plaque, with only Alliance claiming there had been cross party agreement, although other parties said they were not involved.
The plaque at Lagan Valley Island as it was until recently, with the title HRH Prince Andrew, Duke of York included
A DUP spokesperson said: “As indicated previously, the DUP group on Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council believes there should be no ongoing recognition or legacy of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor at Lagan Valley Island.
“It is our understanding that the plaque was temporarily removed before Christmas and placed in storage.
“This was to avoid potential vandalism at the site. A decision on any long-term position regarding the plaque will be made in due course.”
An Alliance Party spokesperson has said: “Following effective and constructive engagement, we’re glad to see cross-party agreement achieved and the subsequent removal of the plaque in question.
“We will remain active participants in all discussions around any future action as things develop.”
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s headquarters at Lagan Valley Island
A Sinn Fein spokesperson said: “Sinn Fein does not believe there should be any civic recognition or celebration of Prince Andrew.”
It is understood that a party leaders meeting with LCCC management was held on Tuesday (Jan 13).
A UUP spokesperson said: “As a party, we were not involved in the decision to temporarily remove the plaque.
“We recognise the sensitivities surrounding this matter, but any steps to replace it must focus on celebrating the City of Lisburn and the final decision will be taken by councillors in due course.”
The mounting of the Prince Andrew plaque at Lagan Valley Island is now empty
News Catch Up – Tuesday 13 January
A SDLP spokesperson said: “SDLP councillors were not previously informed of the plaque’s removal, but we are fully supportive of the removal of any tribute to the former Prince Andrew and believe that this move will reflect the wishes of residents in this council area.”
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