Manchester will not fly the Union Jack flag to mark the 60th birthday of Prince Andrew, council leaders have said.
It follows reports that an email was sent from government to councils around the country asking them to mark the occasion on February 19, as is customary.
The Duke of York has faced criticism over his links to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein following a disastrous interview with BBC Newsnight.
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson made clear earlier today that his city would not be complying with any request to honour the Prince.
"No we won't be doing that, I don't think that would be appropriate," he told the Liverpool ECHO.
Tonight, Manchester Council's leaders responded in a similar fashion.
Executive Member of Children's Services Garry Bridge tweeted the ECHO's story and wrote: "A pretty outrageous request. I would hope -and assume - that we in Manchester won’t be either. Will check."
Leader of the council Sir Richard Leese replied a short time later: "It's a definite no."
Downing Street said it would be looking into the matter after critics labelled the idea of flying a flag for Prince Andrew "crass and offensive."
A government spokesperson said tonight: "The Department of Culture, Media and Sport will be advising councils that there is no requirement to fly flags on 19 February following the decision by the Duke of York to step back from public duties for the foreseeable future."
Epstein killed himself in prison last August while being investigated for sex trafficking offences in the United States.
One of Epstein's accusers, Virginia Giuffre, claims she was trafficked to London in 2001 at the age of 17 and made to have sex with Prince Andrew.
The royal vehemently denies any form of sexual conduct with her and says any claim to the contrary is false and without foundation.
In the public backlash following his BBC interview in November last year, the Prince stepped back from royal duties.
