Andrew’s royal visit ages poorly, NHS Trust declares itself 'fully recovered'

It seems Prince Andrew’s royal reminders are fast disappearing.

A plaque marking the opening of Chase Farm Hospital by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been quietly removed following his latest royal demotion. 

The 2019 wall hanging, unveiled when he was still a working royal, was taken down after King Charles formally stripped his brother of his “Prince” title last week.

A spokesperson for the Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust confirmed, “Following the events of recent days and the changes to his status, the plaque at Chase Farm Hospital is being taken down.”

The Trust added that Andrew was removed as patron in 2022 and “has had no association with our trust since then.”

“It is a huge pleasure to be here today,” he said proudly, praising the hospital’s “speed” and “intent” in improving patient care.

Still, not everything with Andrew’s name is disappearing. In the town of Stotfold, Prince Andrew Drive will remain for now. 

Local councillors admitted that changing street names would be “too inconvenient for residents,” given the paperwork and costs involved.

So while the hospital walls have moved on, one sleepy street in Bedfordshire is keeping a reluctant reminder of a royal who can’t quite be erased.