St Helena’s Only Secondary School to Drop Prince Andrew’s Name Over Controversial Ties

[Social Media]

 

The only secondary school on St Helena, a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic Ocean, has announced it will be changing its name to remove any association with Prince Andrew. The decision comes in response to the Duke of York’s past scandals, which have led to widespread criticism. The school believes the change is a vital step in ensuring that its identity reflects the values and aspirations of its students and the broader community.  

 

In a statement, the island’s government explained, “The school believes a neutral name will foster a positive and forward-thinking learning environment, free from contentious associations.” The move is seen as an effort to distance the institution from the negative publicity surrounding Prince Andrew, who has been embroiled in controversy for years.  

 

The Duke of York faced intense scrutiny in 2019 due to his association with convicted US paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. A well-known photograph showing him with his arm around the waist of 17-year-old Virginia Giuffre further fueled the scandal. Andrew was also criticized for continuing to visit Epstein in New York even after the financier’s 2008 conviction for child sex offences. In the wake of these revelations, he stepped down from public duties and later reached a multi-million-pound settlement in a civil sexual assault case brought by Ms. Giuffre, despite stating in a 2019 BBC interview that he had no recollection of meeting her.  

 

Last year, the Duke, now 64, was again in the headlines after a High Court hearing disclosed that alleged Chinese spy Yang Tengbo, who had been banned from the UK, was considered a close confidant. These controversies have further damaged Andrew’s reputation, leading to growing pressure to sever associations with his name.  

 

The St Helena government confirmed that Buckingham Palace had approved the school’s decision to rebrand, emphasizing that the move followed “recent public controversy” and “negative media coverage.” The government also highlighted the opportunity to select a new name that aligns with the school’s core principles and its vision for students and the community.  

 

Head teacher Phil Toal explained the importance of the change, stating, “While we respect history, we must also be mindful of how past associations impact the present and future. Choosing a new name allows us to honour the contributions of our students and community without the burden of controversial ties.”  

 

Students at the school will have the opportunity to propose new names, which will then be put to a vote. The selected name will be submitted to the Portfolio Advisory Board for final approval.  

 

Meanwhile, the Duke of York continues to face difficulties within the royal family. King Charles is widely believed to have cut financial ties with his brother after Andrew resisted moving out of Royal Lodge, a sprawling 30-room mansion in Windsor Great Park. Despite the ongoing controversies, Buckingham Palace has declined to comment on the school’s renaming decision.

 

Based on a report by The Independent 2025-02-08

 

 

[The Old Bull]

I don't know why people get their nickers in a twist, throughout history royals have.always been a lecherous lot. GIV, EVII, prince Albert, EVIII always providing good fodder for the tabloids. It's plain and simple ,they have opportunities others don't have and they take advantage of them, old news

[newbee2022]

5 hours ago, Social Media said:

 

The only secondary school on St Helena, a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic Ocean, has announced it will be changing its name to remove any association with Prince Andrew. The decision comes in response to the Duke of York’s past scandals, which have led to widespread criticism. The school believes the change is a vital step in ensuring that its identity reflects the values and aspirations of its students and the broader community.  

 

 

In a statement, the island’s government explained, “The school believes a neutral name will foster a positive and forward-thinking learning environment, free from contentious associations.” The move is seen as an effort to distance the institution from the negative publicity surrounding Prince Andrew, who has been embroiled in controversy for years.  

 

The Duke of York faced intense scrutiny in 2019 due to his association with convicted US paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. A well-known photograph showing him with his arm around the waist of 17-year-old Virginia Giuffre further fueled the scandal. Andrew was also criticized for continuing to visit Epstein in New York even after the financier’s 2008 conviction for child sex offences. In the wake of these revelations, he stepped down from public duties and later reached a multi-million-pound settlement in a civil sexual assault case brought by Ms. Giuffre, despite stating in a 2019 BBC interview that he had no recollection of meeting her.  

 

Last year, the Duke, now 64, was again in the headlines after a High Court hearing disclosed that alleged Chinese spy Yang Tengbo, who had been banned from the UK, was considered a close confidant. These controversies have further damaged Andrew’s reputation, leading to growing pressure to sever associations with his name.  

 

The St Helena government confirmed that Buckingham Palace had approved the school’s decision to rebrand, emphasizing that the move followed “recent public controversy” and “negative media coverage.” The government also highlighted the opportunity to select a new name that aligns with the school’s core principles and its vision for students and the community.  

 

Head teacher Phil Toal explained the importance of the change, stating, “While we respect history, we must also be mindful of how past associations impact the present and future. Choosing a new name allows us to honour the contributions of our students and community without the burden of controversial ties.”  

 

Students at the school will have the opportunity to propose new names, which will then be put to a vote. The selected name will be submitted to the Portfolio Advisory Board for final approval.  

 

Meanwhile, the Duke of York continues to face difficulties within the royal family. King Charles is widely believed to have cut financial ties with his brother after Andrew resisted moving out of Royal Lodge, a sprawling 30-room mansion in Windsor Great Park. Despite the ongoing controversies, Buckingham Palace has declined to comment on the school’s renaming decision.

 

Based on a report by The Independent 2025-02-08

 

 

Proper decision ❤️

[KannikaP]

Shame the OP doesn't say what the name will be changed from, and to.

[scottiejohn]

19 minutes ago, KannikaP said:

Shame the OP doesn't say what the name will be changed from, and to.

It helps if you actually read the article!

It says; "Students at the school will have the opportunity to propose new names, which will then be put to a vote. The selected name will be submitted to the Portfolio Advisory Board for final approval. " 

[Nid_Noi]

1 hour ago, KannikaP said:

Shame the OP doesn't say what the name will be changed from, and to.

May I propose “Napoléon Bonaparte”. St.Helena has been his final residence from 1815 to 1821. Just to revive the “Cordial Agreement” signed in 1904.

I am sure I’ll get a lot of support from British expats.🤫

[KannikaP]

1 hour ago, scottiejohn said:

It helps if you actually read the article!

And I said 'change the name FROM' what.

 

A bit of Google Earthing, and here we are. I think that it could be a different Andrew after which it was named though.

How about St Helena Secondary School.

[scottiejohn]

37 minutes ago, KannikaP said:

And I said 'change the name FROM' what.

Do I really have to say this; READTHE TITLE IN THE OP!

[KannikaP]

3 minutes ago, scottiejohn said:

Do I really have to say this; READTHE TITLE IN THE OP!

OK sorry. It could have been Duke of York School. But I was too quick with my answer. Must have a search as to when it was built and opened.

Sorry again.

Now, what do they change it TO?