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Prince Andrew should lose title of Earl of Inverness say city politicians including MP Drew Hendry and Highland Council's Armed Forces and veterans’ champion Councillor Roddy Balfour





Prince Andrew holds the title, Earl of Inverness.
Prince Andrew holds the title, Earl of Inverness.

Calls are being made for Prince Andrew to lose his title of the Earl of Inverness after the Queen stripped him of his honorary military affiliations and patronages.

It comes as he faces a US civil action over sexual assault allegations – claims he has consistently denied.

Prince Andrew has held the title of Earl of Inverness since 1986, following his marriage to Sarah Ferguson.

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But Inverness MP Drew Hendry, along with some present and former Highland councillors, have added their voices to a growing chorus who believe it should be removed to prevent the city’s reputation being tarnished.

Inverness MP Drew Hendry.
Inverness MP Drew Hendry.

“If my mailbox is anything to go by, the vast majority of my constituents feel strongly that his association with our city comes to an end,” Mr Hendry said.

“When even the Queen believes that it is inappropriate for him to have the privilege of using the many titles he has accumulated, it is unthinkable for him to continue as the Earl of Inverness.”

Former Inverness West councillor Allan Duffy – also former veterans’ champion for Highland Council – has written to city councillors asking whether they will discuss the issue.

“I am in no way against our Royal family,” he said.

“In fact, I have a great affection for the majority of them having met them on numerous occasions during my military service.

“However, we must as a city stand with Her Majesty and not bring our wonderful city into disrepute by having links with a private citizen who is currently going through motions in court.”

Cllr Roddy Balfour.
Cllr Roddy Balfour.

The council’s present Armed Forces and veterans’ champion Councillor Roddy Balfour said other titles had been removed to protect the monarchy and felt the prince should also lose the title of Earl of Inverness.

“I think if one title goes, the lot have to go,” he said.

“To turn it on its head, the Earl of Inverness might be the one title he has left.”

Cllr Ron MacWilliam.
Cllr Ron MacWilliam.

Councillor Ron MacWilliam said there were calls for the prince to lose the title of Duke of York by elected politicians in that city.

“The Highland political establishment, it seems, will be the last to pipe up, if at all,” he said.

“Those of us who devote so much effort to making Inverness a great place to live and work find this continued association quite offensive.”

Inverness Provost Helen Carmichael did not wish to comment.

A Highland Council spokeswoman said: “We have no comment, it is a matter for the Palace.

“There are no plans to discuss this matter at the City of Inverness Area Committee.”

What do you think? Email newsdesk@hnmedia.co.uk

Prince Andrew picture removed by Provost


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