New Zealand’s Geographic Board is reviewing a proposal to rename the Prince Andrew Plateau, a prominent Antarctic feature named in 1962 after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew. The plateau, which rises approximately 24,278 feet in the Queen Elizabeth Range, was designated to honor the son of Queen Elizabeth II shortly after his birth.

The reconsideration of the name comes amid ongoing public and institutional scrutiny surrounding Mountbatten-Windsor’s legacy. The plateau is part of a group of geographical landmarks in the area linked to members of the British royal family, including nearby glaciers named after Prince Anne and the current Prince of Wales. This cluster of royal names has prompted questions about the appropriateness of maintaining Mountbatten-Windsor’s designation, particularly given his recent controversies.

The discussion gained momentum following a formal suggestion from a member of the public, as revealed in documents obtained through New Zealand’s Official Information Act. In response, Land Information New Zealand sought advice from various government agencies about whether the renaming process would require consultation with Buckingham Palace, since geographical features named after royals normally necessitate palace approval.

While much of the official correspondence remains confidential, it is understood that royal name changes routinely involve formal permissions from the palace. One proposed alternative was to replace Mountbatten-Windsor’s name with that of another royal family member, but this option was dismissed during the review.

No final decision has been announced, and the Geographic Board continues to consider input from stakeholders and government bodies. The outcome will determine whether the Prince Andrew Plateau retains its current name or becomes part of the ongoing re-evaluation of royal commemorations in Antarctica.