York councillors will vote next month on whether to strip Prince Andrew of his honorary freedom of the city.
Liberal Democrat councillors have been pushing for the Prince to have his Duke of York title removed since the Queen took away his military and royal patronages back in January, something they do not have the power to do themselves.
But it has since emerged that Prince Andrew was given the freedom of the city by the council in 1987.
It is bestowed by the city to recognise notable service by local residents, distinguished people and royalty.
Councillors will vote at the next meeting of Full Council, on March 24, to decide whether to strip Prince Andrew of the honour.
Earlier this month Prince Andrew agreed to settle the civil sex assault claim against him.
Virginia Giuffre, also known as Virginia Roberts, made a claim against Prince Andrew for damages in her home country of the US, claiming she was trafficked by Jeffery Epstein, Andrew’s friend, to have sex with the royal when she was 17, a minor under US law.
Prince Andrew denies the claims.
Petition launched
Coun Darryl Smalley, the council’s executive member for culture, leisure and communities, said: “York’s unique connection to the crown and the monarch is an important part of our city’s legacy and history.
“However, as a council and city, we stand with victims of sexual abuse and are doing all we can to end violence against woman and girls locally.
[tptn_list limit=3 daily=1 hour_range=1]
“As such, it is inappropriate that Prince Andrew retains his ambassadorial title that is intrinsically linked to our city.
“The allegations and his associations with convicted abusers are incredibly serious and we are determined to explore all options available to ensure that his links to our city are severed.”
York Central MP Rachael Maskell has called for Prince Andrew’s Duke title to be removed.
She has set up a petition to try to change the law to make it easier to strip people of their titles.
[adrotate group=”3″]
Coun Smalley added: “I hope councillors across all parties will support the motion to remove Prince Andrew’s honorary freedom of the City of York.
“Buckingham Palace and the Government must then act to remove his Duke of York title.
“We will be reaching out to MPs to raise our concerns and discuss any possible ways of ending Prince Andrew’s connection to York.”