Prince William reportedly warned he would pull out of today's Order of the Garter ceremony if his disgraced uncle Prince Andrew was allowed to take part.
It is believed a “family decision” was taken to limit the Duke of York’s appearance on Garter Day to a behind-the-scenes lunch and investiture ceremony.
Andrew will not be seen in public during the event, one of the most colourful in the royal calendar, after Prince Charles and Prince William reportedly lobbied the Queen about his participation.
And according to the Evening Standard, William was "so alarmed" at the prospect of Andrew taking part in the event, that he made it clear that unless the Duke of York was dropped from taking part in public, he would not be taking part.
A senior source told the publication: "The Duke of Cambridge was adamant. If York insisted on taking part publicly, he would withdraw. Buckingham Palace has not commented on the claims.
Andrew was photographed driving to Windsor Castle earlier today, where his mother is currently living, wearing a suit waistcoat.
He was expected to attend a lunch and the private investiture ceremony but not the procession or the service in St George's Chapel.
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The duke’s reputation has been severely tarnished by his involvement in a civil sexual assault case, and it is understood the “family decision” was taken to reduce his involvement to behind closed doors.
The Queen had signalled her support for Andrew – rumoured to be her favourite child – b y arriving with him for the Duke of Edinburgh’s memorial service in March.
But there has been speculation senior members of the royal family did not approve of his appearance and it appears the Queen has conceded to their views regarding Garter Day staged at Windsor Castle.
The Sun said that heirs to the throne, Prince Charles and Prince William, had lobbied the Queen on the issue.
Senior royals feared a “backlash”, the newspaper said, adding that Charles and William were said to have agreed their approach before telling the Queen, who made the final decision.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said earlier today: “The Duke of York will attend the investiture and lunch today but will not be part of the procession or service.”
Meanwhile, the Queen did not take part in the procession of Garter Knights who walk through the grounds of Windsor Castle to St George’s Hall where the annual service commemorating the Order is held.
Given the monarch’s mobility issues the decision was expected and in past years she has travelled by car to the place of worship. However, she was expected to attend the lunch and the investiture ceremony.
The Order of the Garter was founded by Edward III in 1348 recognising contributions to public service.
Members of the Order include the Queen, several senior royals and 24 other Knights or Ladies, who are personally chosen by the monarch for recognition of their work.
