COUNCILLORS in York have unanimously voted to remove the Duke of York’s freedom of their city following his legal settlement with Virginia Giuffre.
The decision follows Prince Andrew's £12 million settlement with Virginia Guiffre in a United States District Court case over allegations of sexual assault.
City of York Council members representing all the main parties voted for the motion to remove Andrew’s honour, which was conferred on him in 1987.
READ MORE: Scottish independence: Paul Mason backs indy despite Labour membership
A number of the councillors and members of public who spoke at the meeting at York Racecourse on Wednesday called for either the Queen or the Government to strip Andrew of the title Duke of York and thereby remove what Labour councillor Aisling Musson called: “This stain of an association with this city.”
He is the first person ever to have the Freedom of the City removed, councillors were told.
There were two formal abstentions – from the Lord Mayor and Lord Mayor elect.
Lib Dem Darryl Smalley, City of York Council’s executive member for culture, leisure & communities and proposer of the motion, said: “The Honorary Freedom of York is the highest honour we, as a city, can bestow on those who represent the very best of York. The honour is held by many notable and accomplished people who carry it with pride and responsibly.
“Having been stripped of his military roles and royal patronages by the Queen, we believe that it is right to remove all links that Prince Andrew still has with our great city.
“I was pleased to see councillors of all parties support this motion and make it clear that it is no longer appropriate for Prince Andrew to represent York and its residents.
“The removal of this honorary title sends the right message that we as a city stand with victims of abuse.
“The next logical step is now for Prince Andrew to do the right thing and relinquish his Duke of York title.
“If he fails to do so, the Government and Buckingham Palace must step in to remove his title to finally end Prince Andrew’s connection to York.”
The honorary freedom of the city is bestowed to recognise notable service by local residents, to distinguished people, and to royalty, the council has said.
Other recipients of the honour include the Duke of Wellington, Sir Winston Churchill, film composer John Barry and actress Dame Judi Dench.
First to speak from the public gallery on Wednesday evening was Gwen Swinburn, who said: “Mr Andrew Windsor is an utter disgrace.
“He brings shame and reputational damage everywhere he goes, including to our city.
“The motion to withdraw his status goes nowhere near far enough. He needs to be be declared persona non grata in York.
“You (councillors) need to be starting whatever process is needed to remove his duke title.”
Musson told the meeting: “We owe it to the people of York, particularly those who have been affected by sexual violence, abuse or human trafficking.
“Our first duty is not to our reputation but to their well-being and protection, and to remove this stain of an association with this city which I’m sure has weighed heavily on their minds.”
Independent councillor Dave Taylor told the meeting he hoped Andrew would be replaced by his daughter, Beatrice, as Duchess of York.
“In contrast to her father, she is personable, intelligent and does her homework, or reads her briefing papers when visiting the City of York,” Taylor said.
READ MORE: Labour candidate in Ardrossan disciplined over 'anti-Catholic' tweet
All councillors voted in favour except the Lord Mayor and Lord Mayor elect who said they were abstaining as was the convention in their office. Lord Mayor Chris Cullwick said this constituted a unanimous decision.
The duke has faced widespread calls for him to give up his Duke of York title, which is one of his last remaining major titles after the Queen stripped him of his honorary military roles and he gave up his HRH style.
Labour MP Rachael Maskell, who represents York Central, has repeatedly said Andrew should give up his association with the city out of respect.
Both Buckingham Palace and a spokesperson for the Duke of York declined to comment when contacted by PA Media.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel