Prince Andrew Allowed Only Private Role at Jubilee Ceremony Amid Covid Absence
Andrew Sidelined After Covid Scare
Prince Andrew missed the Platinum Jubilee celebrations after testing positive for Covid. Now, he will be restricted to private parts of Monday’s Windsor ceremony, keeping a low profile. His last public outing was back in March at the Duke of Edinburgh’s memorial service, where he accompanied the Queen.
Royal Family Tight-Lipped as Andrew Stays in the Wings
Earlier this month, Andrew was due to join the rest of the royal family at a thanksgiving service inside St Paul’s Cathedral. But a coronavirus diagnosis days before forced him out. The Sunday Times reveals the Garter Knight will attend the annual service at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle with senior royals – but only behind closed doors.
Charles and William Push for Private Attendance
The Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge reportedly lobbied the Queen on Andrew’s restricted involvement. The Sun says Charles and William agreed on a strategy to avoid royal backlash before reaching Her Majesty, who made the final call. Buckingham Palace and Andrew’s team have yet to comment.
Andrew’s Hope for HRH Status Stalls Amid Past Scandals
Andrew has reportedly sought to have his HRH title reinstated. However, following the fallout from his association with paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein, the Queen’s second son withdrew from public life. He paid millions to settle a civil sexual assault case, which he denies, involving Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of assault when she was 17.
Earlier this year, the Queen stripped Andrew of his honorary military roles, including Colonel of the Grenadier Guards, and he relinquished his HRH style in light of the scandal and legal issues.
