In the wake of former Prince Andrew’s arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office linked to his connections with Jeffrey Epstein, a small island in Ontario, bearing his name, is set to undergo a significant transformation. Prince Andrew Island, situated on the Otonabee River near Lakefield, is now facing a potential renaming process as local authorities respond to growing public sentiment around the disgraced royal’s tarnished reputation.
Disgraced Connections
Prince Andrew Island, located in Selwyn Township, derives its name from Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who once enjoyed a privileged status as the Queen’s favoured son. The island’s connection to the former prince is further underscored by his brief attendance at Lakefield College School in 1977, where he spent a term studying. His association with the institution continued for years, as he held roles as a trustee and honorary chair of the school’s foundation, positions he vacated only recently.
Selwyn Township Mayor Sherry Senis has confirmed that council staff have been tasked with investigating the formal procedures necessary for renaming both Prince Andrew Island and the adjacent Gordonstoun Island, which is named after the Scottish boarding school attended by Andrew, his brother King Charles III, and their father, Prince Philip. In a statement, Senis indicated that the Curve Lake First Nation, the local Ojibwa community, would be consulted regarding the proposed name change in the coming week.
The Wider Implications
The name change is part of a broader reassessment of public landmarks across Canada that bear the name of the former prince. Emma Harrison, the Liberal MP for Peterborough, has expressed her full support for renaming the island, reflecting the growing discontent with Andrew’s legacy following his association with Epstein, a convicted sex offender.
The conversation surrounding the name change extends beyond just the island; numerous streets and institutions across Canada have begun distancing themselves from Andrew. For instance, Prince Andrew Drive in Caledon, a winding thoroughfare in the Greater Toronto Area, is under scrutiny, although the Town of Caledon has stated that any reconsideration of street names would require formal review and community feedback.
In addition, Toronto’s Don Mills neighbourhood features Prince Andrew Place, while St. Catharines has its own Prince Andrew Court. Notably, the former Prince Andrew High School in Dartmouth was renamed to Woodlawn High School in 2022, a direct response to the controversies surrounding his name. The Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough also severed ties with the former prince in 2019, illustrating a significant shift in institutional attitudes toward his legacy.
A Royal Fall from Grace
Once regarded as a charming royal figure, Andrew’s reputation has plummeted, leading to the loss of his military titles and royal patronages in 2022 at the behest of Queen Elizabeth II. The former prince had previously held honorary positions with Canadian military units, such as the Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada and the Queen’s York Rangers, which are now void.
The scandal has sparked widespread discussions on the implications of having public spaces and institutions named after individuals who have fallen out of favour due to misconduct. As the process to rename Prince Andrew Island unfolds, it will likely serve as a litmus test for how communities choose to engage with historical legacies.
Why it Matters
The potential renaming of Prince Andrew Island reflects a critical moment in the ongoing dialogue surrounding accountability and the legacy of public figures. As society grapples with the implications of honouring individuals whose actions have resulted in significant harm, this situation exemplifies the necessity of reassessing the names we choose to commemorate. The outcome could set a precedent for how communities across Canada and beyond navigate their historical ties to controversial figures, ultimately shaping public sentiment and identity in a rapidly changing cultural landscape.