Speculation Surges as Prince Andrew Joins Royals for Easter Service: A Return to Public Life?
Prince Andrew's recent appearance at the royal family's Easter outing has sparked questions about whether he intends to return to public life. The Duke of York, who stepped back from his royal duties due to his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the alleged sex abuse scandal involving Virginia Giuffre, was expected to remain out of the public eye.
Despite losing his title and public role after paying a multi-million-dollar settlement to Giuffre, Prince Andrew attended the Easter Sunday service at St. George's Chapel in Windsor. He walked alongside his older brother, King Charles III, Queen Consort Camilla, and his sister, Princess Anne.
This unexpected appearance raised eyebrows, as it was believed that both King Charles and Prince William advised Queen Elizabeth to strip Prince Andrew of his titles in 2021.
A veteran royal watcher, speaking to Page Six, expressed surprise at seeing Prince Andrew so prominently placed, saying, "I was surprised to see Andrew right behind Charles, particularly next to Anne. They are not usually that close."
This led to speculation that the Duke of York might be eyeing a return to public life. However, an insider dismissed these claims, emphasizing that Prince Andrew's presence was due to the significance of the event for the royal family.
The source explained, "There's a strict delineation between family events like [holidays] and anything official, and it would have been awkward for Charles not to invite Andrew when his two girls, Beatrice and Eugenie, were there with their partners. But there's no way back into public life for Andrew."
Although Prince Andrew is no longer a senior working royal, he will still be invited to King Charles' coronation at Windsor Castle on May 6. Regarding his positioning during the event, an insider assured, "Andrew will be fine."
There have been rumors that Prince Andrew might write a tell-all book similar to his nephew Prince Harry's "Spare," but another source told Page Six that it is "highly unlikely." Instead, the tipster suggested, "The way forward for Andrew is a life in service behind the scenes."