A LONDON pub which celebrates Prince Andrew is upsetting drinkers who want signs of his face removed.
The Duke of York, in trendy Fitzrovia, central London, has several pricey picture signs of Andrew – who gave a car crash TV interview at the weekend rubbishing claims of having sex with Virginia Roberts.
One pub drinker said: I think the Duke of York signs are quite distasteful really, especially in the current climate when Andrews behaviour and judgement has been brought into serious question.
This American woman – who was only a child at the time – has made some very serious claims about Andrew and I feel quite uncomfortable having his smug-looking face literally staring down at me every time I come into the pub with my mates for a drink. The Andrew signs really need to come down ASAP.
Another drinker said: We get loads of tourists coming into the pub as its virtually surrounded by posh hotels.
“They like the fact that the pubs architecture and ambience is from a bygone era but Im not sure whether they would agree that Prince Andrew should be celebrated.
After all, he was a close mate of a paedophile – surely there must be someone else better placed to celebrate than him. I also think the signs of Andrew should be removed and keeping them up is in poor taste and divisive – to say the least – in my opinion.
‘A DECENT BLOKE’
But landlord Alan Monks, 70, who commissioned the portraits said: The signs of Prince Andrew cost me well over 500 each and have been up for years – and up they are staying – indefinitely. Theres absolutely no reason that they should come down and I dont care if people dont like them.
Prince Andrew has said he has done nothing wrong and I believe him 100 per cent. In my view he is a decent bloke, a family man and a real credit to the Royal Family and this country.
I love the Royal Family and am a huge fan of the great work they do. I really appreciate the huge sacrifices they have to make in their lives for the good of this country. Ill also never forget that Prince Andrew served our country bravely during The Falklands War.
I repeat, the signs of Andrew are going nowhere, why should they? The pub will continue celebrating and honouring Prince Andrew and all the good work he does.
Alan also revealed that he sought permission from the Duke to approve the pubs signage ten years ago and that Andrew even selected the final image of himself to be used.
He said: I sent several sign designs to Buckingham Palace for Prince Andrew to look at and he actually picked out the image of himself to be used on our pub signs.
“Shortly after they were erected his office called me and said that the prince was well chuffed that his picture was hanging outside a London pub.
“I was told that he thought the whole idea was quite novel and amusing. His office said that he felt proud that a pub was celebrating and honouring him.
He added: I know for a fact Prince Andrews daughter Eugenie and her friends came in here not so long ago for drinks.
“If Andrew wants to come in for a drink then he would always be most welcome. Of course, the first drink would be on me!
