- Prince Andrew is still iced out
- He is not present in any recent royal outings
- THIS is how the palace keeps him out
In a week bustling with royal ceremonies and the glitter of tradition, Prince Andrew's conspicuous absence from the Trooping the Colour and the Order of the Garter procession has sent ripples through the monarchy.
Andrew's legacy in tatters
With whispers of royal discord and a palace at odds, we dive into the heart of this regal controversy.
Last week, the Royal Family paraded their unity and grandeur at the Trooping the Colour, swiftly followed by the historic Order of the Garter procession at Windsor Castle. Yet, amidst the pomp and pageantry, one royal was notably missing from the lineup: Prince Andrew, the Duke of York.
Founded in 1348, the Order of the Garter represents Britain's pinnacle of chivalry and honor. Royals such as King Charles, Princess Anne, and Prince William proudly bear its mantle.
Prince Andrew, knighted in 2006, found himself conspicuously absent from Monday's procession, marking a stark departure from tradition.
"Andrew last graced the Garter Day service in 2019," sources note, highlighting a growing distance within the royal ranks.
The pandemic saw the event's cancellation in 2020 and 2021, but 2022 turned the page with Andrew's absence, not due to global health crises but to familial intervention.
Reports suggest that Charles and William, key figures in the monarchy, stood firm against Andrew's participation, casting a shadow over his place within the Royal Family.
The Interview that Shook the Monarchy
Andrew's retreat from public duties traces back to 2020 following a controversial BBC Newsnight interview discussing his connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Buckingham Palace's statement in January 2022 confirmed the return of Andrew's military titles and Royal patronages to the Queen, a move signaling his indefinite step back from royal responsibilities.
The statement read: "With the Queen's approval and agreement, the Duke of York's military affiliations and Royal patronages have been returned to the Queen. The Duke of York will continue not to undertake any public duties and is defending this case as a private citizen."
Tensions simmer between Andrew and King Charles, particularly over the Duke's residence at Royal Lodge. The monarch's push for Andrew to vacate the 30-room Windsor property for Frogmore Cottage hints at deeper fissures within the royal foundation.
Royal author Tom Quinn suggests, "For King Charles, this move solves several problems," not least of which includes sending a stern message to both Andrew and the estranged Prince Harry.
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As the Royal Family navigates these turbulent waters, the saga of Prince Andrew's public and private battles continues to unfold, leaving the world watching closely.
With royal dynamics shifting and allegiances tested, the monarchy faces a critical moment of reflection and decision.