It was a surprise when Prince Andrew walked alongside the Royal Family to church on Easter Sunday. His reputation is ruined, and even appearing at a private event feels unsettling — especially for one person in particular.
He remains the scandal royal. Prince Andrew, 65, has likely lost the favor of devoted Windsor fans for a long time. His involvement in the scandal surrounding convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, †66, has rendered him essentially unacceptable for the royal family. Although the Queen’s second eldest son has stepped down from his official duties, not only did his mother protect him to a degree, but now his brother King Charles, 76, is also extending a protective hand, allowing him to participate in family affairs. Wholeheartedly? Doubtful. Nevertheless, he does so — reportedly much to the displeasure of his eldest son.
Prince William shows no mercy
Andrew smiled as he made his way to St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle — while Prince William, 42, along with Catherine, Princess of Wales, 43, and their children, were noticeably absent. The Wales family had chosen to spend the holidays at their country home in Norfolk, a palace source revealed to the Daily Mail beforehand. Charles had been informed in good time, it was said. “The Prince made his intention clear to the King to skip the annual gathering to enjoy extended family time over Easter,” the insider shared. “They chose to spend time together before the children returned to school.”
A good reason. But was it the only one? Rumors suggest otherwise. William is said to be reluctant to spend time in the company of his disgraced uncle. And he makes that clear, according to former BBC correspondent Jennie Bond, who spoke to the Mirror. “I think William is tougher on this issue and perhaps more willing to take a firm stance against his uncle,” the royal expert speculated. “I believe his reasoning is that he is determined to protect the monarchy and to show that they all understand the strength of public hostility toward Andrew.”
“William is increasingly a force of power”
Unlike his father, the heir to the throne wants to demonstrate consistency, Bond says. “William is increasingly a power player in the family dynamic, and while Charles might be inclined to take a softer approach, I don’t believe William will ever allow Prince Andrew to return to any form of public role,” she explained.
“Whether they like it or not…”
Indeed, public appearances of the disgraced Prince Andrew with the family have become increasingly rare. The last time he was seen at such an event was at Easter a year ago. He was forced to skip the traditional Christmas walk to church with Charles and others at Sandringham. At that time, he had once again made headlines — due to his connections to a man suspected of spying for the Chinese Communist Party.
He has a knack for drawing the wrong kind of attention. Nevertheless, it seems most of his closest relatives continue to stand by him. “The King and the Palace are not stupid,” Bond explains. “They are fully aware that every time Andrew appears in public, there will be a storm of criticism. But, whether they like it or not, Andrew remains part of the family.”
Yet the sense of unease remains. “If Andrew were a bit more sensitive, he might choose to stay away from events where he knows cameras and crowds will be present.” Media expert Jennie Bond knows all too well the disastrous public impression. “He must be aware that every appearance will lead to highly critical headlines and forensic analysis of his every move, gesture, or smile. It’s just another embarrassment for the monarchy.”
