Prince Andrew has been spotted making his way to Windsor Castle where he will have lunch with the Queen for Garter Day - but won't take part in the public procession.
The Duke was photographed driving to Windsor Castle, where his mother is currently living, wearing a suit waistcoat
The monarchy has taken a “family decision” to limit disgraced Andrew's appearance on Garter Day to a behind-the-scenes lunch and investiture ceremony.
Andrew will not be seen in public during Garter Day, one of the most colourful events in the royal calendar, after Prince Charles and Prince William reportedly lobbied the Queen about his participation.
The duke’s reputation has been severely tarnished by his involvement in a civil sexual assault case, and it is understood a “family decision” was taken to reduce his involvement to a lunch and investiture ceremony for new Order of the Garter recipients, both held 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.
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Andrew provided a steady arm for the Queen as she walked into Westminster Abbey to remember the life of her husband, a few weeks after he reached a multimillion-pound out-of-court settlement in a civil sexual assault case.
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.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “The Duke of York will attend the investiture and lunch today but will not be part of the procession or service.”
The Queen will also not be taking 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. But the Queen is expected to attend the lunch and the investiture ceremony.
The news comes as it was claimed Andrew wanted his HRH status reinstated.
The Queen’s second son stepped away from public life after the furore over his association with paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein.
Later, Her Majesty stripped Andrew of his honorary military roles, including Colonel of the Grenadier Guards, and he gave up his HRH style.
On Sunday, the Telegraph quoted an unnamed source as saying: “The colonelcy of the Grenadier Guards was his most coveted title and he wants it back. Having remained a Counsellor of State, he also believes he should be included at royal and state events.
“Most importantly for him is his status as an HRH and ‘Prince of the Blood’ and he feels that should be reinstated and his position recognised and respected.”
