Killyleagh has its say over his baron title

Prince Andrew has a number of connections with Northern Ireland.

The prince announced on Friday that he would be relinquishing all of his royal titles – one of which is Baron Killyleagh.

And Prince Andrew Way in Carrickfergus, County Antrim, is among a number of streets named after him.

The prince – a title he will keep as the son of a monarch – has been under increasing pressure over his links with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He continues to “vigorously deny” the accusations against him.

BBC News NI went to Prince Andrew Way and to Killyleagh to hear what people had to say about the latest news.

Adam McClurg, bar manager of the Dufferin Arms in Killyleagh, said he did not think it would affect the town.

“It’s just a title isn’t it, it’s just a name,” he said.

“The next person who comes along could be a better Baron of Killyleagh – someone who contributes more.”

Mr McClurg said he remembered Prince Andrew visiting Killyleagh when he was in primary school.

“That’s the last I can remember of him being in the town,” he said.

“He hasn’t been here for that long now… you can’t miss what’s not here.”

A photograph of Prince Andrew has been moved from the main bar to a hallway.

“It’s still here, so if he did come in and say ‘where’s my picture gone?’ we can still show him but it’s just not for public display.”

Tanya Graham, who works in Killyleagh, said the news did not seem to have caused a stir in the town.

“No-one has said to me or mentioned about it,” she said. “There’s been no comments at all.

“I suppose he hasn’t been here for a long time so it’s not really relevant.”

She said Killyleagh had a good community which supported the town more than the title of baron.

Fred McCoy, who lives on Prince Andrew Way in Carrickfergus, said there should be a new name for the street after all the accusations.

He said people had wanted the name changed for a while – at one point a new name was placed over the old sign but it was taken away.

“It’s back on the agenda again now,” he said.

Mr McCoy added there was a negativity attached to the name and it could be “a bit embarrassing” if he had to tell people his address.

Another resident, Janet Preston, said: “In light of all the revelations that have come to light recently I think it would be better if [the name] was changed.”

She said she had become used to the name but “going forward it would be better if it was changed”.

“Nobody really wants to be associated with Prince Andrew any more.”

Bill Pedan, who is from Carrickfergus but lives in Moira, said the name should not be changed “on the strength of an allegation”.

“Obviously in a democracy you have to be found guilty of something before you’re criminalised as such,” he said.

“But if it did turn out that he is guilty… certainly it should be changed.

“I’d be a very strong royalist but I’m very disappointed in what’s coming out at the minute.”

Carrickfergus resident, Tommy Foster, said many people were “very much against” the road’s name.

“I am a wee bit against it but I get on with life, it doesn’t worry me,” he said.

“The road’s there for me to go up and down – I don’t care what they call it.”