In a last-minute decision, Prince Andrew did not attend the Order of the Garter service on June 13. According to The Sun, Prince Charles and Prince William reportedly raised objections about Andrew attending the public ceremony. After deliberation, the queen allegedly decided the duke would only attend the private parts of the event. “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,” a royal source told the outlet.
As tweeted by the Daily Mail Online, Prince Andrew’s name was part of the event’s printed program, which serves as evidence that the decision was a late choice. However, the program was later updated. According to the Evening Standard, Prince William reportedly used royal leverage to bar Andrew from the service, with a source claiming that William said he would not attend the event if his uncle participated in the public ceremony. Originally, Andrew hoped to participate in the procession and carriage ride. As journalist Omid Scobie tweeted, Andrew still is “a Knight of the Order of the Garter.”
While the duke has been vocal about getting his royal status reinstated, his inability to participate in the Garter Service was a big setback. “His comeback fight is probably doomed,” a royal insider told The Sun. “He is delusional if he thinks Charles or William will ever let him back. The Queen is the only person who ever backs Andrew up.”