A plaque marking a tree planted by Prince Andrew, Duke of York, in Lisburn to mark the city's 400th anniversary in 2009 has been removed. The council took it down before Christmas as part of a site tidy-up. Officials confirmed no plans exist to replace it.

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council is based in Lisburn, County Antrim. Nationalist councillor Pat Catney of the SDLP initially called for reinstatement of the plaque. In emails to officials, he argued the planting formed part of city history and urged against altering historical records.

Catney later clarified his view to the council. He now states the plaque should stay removed permanently. An SDLP spokesperson said the party deemed tributes to Prince Andrew inappropriate since the Epstein scandal emerged and backed their removal early on.

Alliance councillor Claire Kemp questioned Catney's initial rationale. She noted residents voiced unease over honours for Prince Andrew. Kemp said the council correctly removed the plaque despite the area's royal history.

The plaque had read that Prince Andrew planted the yew tree. Officials suggested ways to recognise the tree while addressing sensitivities. In February, Prince Andrew faced arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office but was released under investigation. He denies wrongdoing.