Although not yet the next in line for the throne, Prince William has been "throwing his weight around more" when it comes to the ongoing Andrew crisis, according to some royal commentators.
Reports previously suggested William was "so alarmed" at the prospect of Andrew taking part in the Order of the Garter ceremony, that he made it clear that unless the Duke of York was dropped from taking part in public, he would pull out.
The Daily Mail's Richard Eden says this new tack from the Prince is an example of how he is "throwing his weight around more".
Mr Eden said: "This was an example here he was saying 'enough is enough', no way am I going to be there.
"It would have been a terrible look, it's good, it's reassuring that William knows that and he knows how damaging that is."
The royals took a “family decision” to limit disgraced Andrew's appearance on Garter Day to a behind-the-scenes lunch and investiture ceremony.
Therefore Andrew was not seen in public during the event, one of the most colourful in the royal calendar, after Prince Charles and William reportedly lobbied the Queen about his participation.
According to The Mail on Sunday's Kate Mansey, the Prince Andrew crisis is more serious than Megxit.
Speaking on the Palace Confidential show, s he said: "This is the modernisation of the monarchy in real time because here you've got your birthright, but for the first time you don't just have to be born into your HRH, this is a totally new thing, that you have to continue to deserve it.
"Andrew feels very sore about it."
She continued: "The Palace, the Queen, other senior royals, Charles and William are stepping in to protect the monarchy, saying 'no no, the monarchy is not something you're born into any more, this is a privilege and you have to deserve it'".
Prince Andrew stepped down from royal duties in the wake of a sex scandal earlier this year.
He denied the allegations against him and later came to an out of court settlement with his accuser. The settlement is not an admission of guilt.
In January, ahead of his legal settlement in the case, the Queen 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."
The Order of the Garter ceremony has not been held since 2019 due to Covid and Andrew remains a Knight of the Order despite stepping down from royal duties.
Andrew's older brother Prince Charles and Prince William reportedly agreed the Duke of York should miss the public-facing elements of the event yesterday amid fears of damage to the royals' reputation after a successful Jubilee weekend.
The Queen is said to have made the final decision on the matter.
A source said: “It was a decision taken by the household for the best interests of the family but also the best interests of the Duke of York.”
