These signs are from two different pubs of the same name in London, The Duke of York. According to pubnames.co.uk there are 52 Pubs named Duke of York.
The pub pictured above I believe is in Mayfair, London. One of the more famous Duke of York’s was King Charles brother, James. According to history.nycourts.gov, Charles laid claim for New Netherland by granting James a patent to the colony. James sent a fleet of ships to New Netherland and the Dutch surrendered. The English took over New Netherland and the colony was renamed New York. I am guessing that is who is depicted in the sign, but I could be wrong. Paintings I see of him online do not resemble this sign.
The pub sign pictured above is at The Duke of York pub in Fitzrovia in central London. According to londonletter.substack.com, Prince Andrew gave permission for his likeness to be used in this sign. They say it is the only pub in the world that has a living member of the Royal family on it. Not sure how I feel about that. The reigning monarch’s image is on the pound notes as well as coins. Some may say having Prince Andrew’s image on a pub sign is controversial.
What do you think? Should a living person be depicted on a pub sign? Have a great rest of your weekend!
Sharon's Iconic Travel Photography Blog 
Hi Sharon, I guess the first sign could be Prince Frederick (1763-1827), son of George III as he had a military career. As for the other one, in general I don’t think there should be living people on pub signs (and especially not him!)
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I think a lot of people feel that way. Thanks for the info! Since the sign was not looking like historical paintings of this me person I was not sure it was him. I did not see much info online about the sign. The Duke of Sussex Pub had changed one side of the sign to Harry and Megan I believe, but it’s back to both sides being what it was.
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I wonder if that pub regrets their choice of Andrew for their sign. Happy Sunday Sharon. Allan
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Evidently a well known artist painted the portrait used. Either they spent too much for it or they are fine with keeping it. It sounds like much tighter controls will be made over any pub wanting to name it after Queen Elizabeth II. They have to get approval first justifying it.
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The signs are always so interesting. Fifty-two pubs with the same name is amazing.
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Amazing isn’t it? I like finding ones I have not seen.
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I’m sure it’s a lot of fun finding new ones. 🙂
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I can’t imagine a pub named after Queen Elizabeth, she seems too sophisticated fro it haha.
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I think they will have to go through hoops to get approval even sign approval.
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