In many ways, this could not have come at a worse time for the Prince Andrew.
There he was, strolling to church on Christmas Day, back in the bosom of his family. Not only had he been publicly welcomed back into the fold but his former wife Sarah, the Duchess of York, with whom he still lives, was also invited to join the annual show of family unity for the first time since 1992.
Jeffrey Epstein and Prince Andrew
While most observers noted the presence of a visibly delighted Fergie, Prince Andrew barely got a mention – and this, after years of hugely damaging headlines concerning his ill-advised relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and allegations of sexual abuse, was progress.
It was not so long ago that Andrew was banished from outings as the Royal family moved into damage limitation mode.
But the King’s inclusion of his younger brother, not just in the traditional Christmas outings at Sandringham but also resplendent in his Garter robes at Charles’s Coronation in May, have been interpreted as a public sign of his loyalty.
Prince Andrew, right, and Prince Edward, leave the Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham Church.Credit: Getty
The salacious and sordid tales of sex abuse and underage orgies that have long accompanied Andrew’s name will never disappear, but they had dissipated. Andrew, a man hugely proud of his status as “Prince of the Blood”, has worked hard on keeping a low profile.
It has not been easy. Having settled his case with accuser Virginia Giuffre out of court, with no admission of wrongdoing, in early 2022, he could not understand why the status quo was not immediately resumed.
He agitated for a return to public duties, bending the ear of his mother, Elizabeth II, for months. But in the end he was forced to accept the advice of his aides – keep your head down and do nothing to garner public attention, good or bad.
Epstein files could not have come at a worse time for Prince Andrew
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05.01.2024
In many ways, this could not have come at a worse time for the Prince Andrew.
There he was, strolling to church on Christmas Day, back in the bosom of his family. Not only had he been publicly welcomed back into the fold but his former wife Sarah, the Duchess of York, with whom he still lives, was also invited to join the annual show of family unity for the first time since 1992.
Jeffrey Epstein and Prince Andrew
While most observers noted the presence of a........
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