Without a trace

Andrew from hero to zero in Falklands

- BY SASKIA ROWLANDS

HELICOPTER copilot Prince Andrew returned from the Falklands War a hero in 1982.

After British troops liberated the islands from Argentina, the royal was greeted in Portsmouth by his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who handed him a red rose which he put between his teeth.

And in the years since the conflict, he has been given a warm welcome on several trips back to the British overseas territory.

But now, a fortnight after being stripped of his royal titles over his relationship with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, he has been erased from the scene of his greatest triumph with every plaque bearing his name removed.

A source said: "Andrew's connection with the Falklands was his last remaining source of pride.

"The fact his name has now been stripped from key public buildings will be truly devastating for him."

Islander Kaylee Smith, 33, said: "Andrew has rightfully been stripped of his titles and plaques. He has brought shame upon his family and the country he once represented."

The royal, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, returned to the Falklands three years after the war to open the £300million Mount Pleasant airport.