Prince Andrew looked despondent as he drove through Windsor a day after being forced to miss Commonwealth Service – the first major public event involving key members of the royal family since its US sexual assault settlement.
The Duke of York, 62, was spotted driving his black Range Rover on the grounds of Windsor Castle today.
This is his first public appearance since key members of the royal family celebrated Commonwealth Day without him with a service at Westminster Abbey on Monday.
The service was attended by Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, as well as Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, William and Kate, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and Princess Alexandra.
But Prince Andrew did not attend the service after the royal family severed their ties when the Queen stripped him of his remaining patronages and military connections in January.
Instead, the duke was seen galloping around Windsor Castle during yesterday’s service.
It was the first major royal outing he had missed since settling a U.S. sexual assault case with Jeffrey Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre.
Ms Giuffre, formerly known as Ms Roberts, was given permission to sue Andrew, 61, in a New York civil court in January, and despite vowing to fight the charges and repeatedly protesting his innocence, the prince agreed to settle. .
Andrew is now believed to have paid his financial settlement to Ms Roberts, dismissing the claim.
Prince Andrew drove through the grounds of Windsor Castle today – the day after he missed a Commonwealth Day service attended by key members of the royal family.
The Duke appeared subdued as he drove through the grounds in his Range Rover on Tuesday after riding a horse the day before.
Andrew (pictured driving the first Range Rover) missed the first major royal engagement since settling his U.S. sexual assault case with Jeffrey Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre.
The 62-year-old Duke of York was also seen riding on the grounds of Windsor Castle in Monde.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge arrived at Westminster Abbey on Monday.
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall arrived yesterday for a Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey.
The Queen also did not attend the service after it was announced on Friday that the 95-year-old monarchy will miss the event, which is usually a highlight on her calendar.
The event was to be her first major event since contracting Covid in February, though Palace officials insist her absence is not health related.
At the service, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall were greeted upon arrival, and inside the temple the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were waiting, and the two royal couples kissed each other on the cheeks.
But last Friday, palace officials said the Queen, who is head of the Commonwealth, asked Charles to represent her in the service after discussing arrangements with members of the royal court.
Providing comfort to the monarch, who now regularly uses a cane and speaks openly about her mobility problems, is thought to have been a major consideration in her decision not to take part.
The queen’s announcement was made after the order of service was printed, as she was named on the document, and the congregation had to stand up when she arrived and made her way to her seat.
The Most Reverend Dr. David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster, told the gathering: “In this jubilee year, as we rejoice in the 70th anniversary of Her Majesty the Queen’s reign in this Commonwealth, we also thank God for her faithfulness and commit ourselves to learn from the example of duty and service.
“In words and music in the abbey, we now trace the steps of her great Commonwealth tour, begun 70 years ago.”
Among those arriving ahead of the royals were Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer, Home Secretary Priti Patel and Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, along with David Walliams, who brought his mother Kathleen with him.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived at Westminster Abbey this afternoon for the Commonwealth service.
Also present yesterday were Sarah Clarke, Lady Usher of the Black Rod, Mark Spencer, Leader of the House of Commons, and US Ambassador Philip Reeker, as well as Baroness Patricia Scotland and MP Jacob Rees-Mogg.
On Monday, the Queen said it was “exciting to see a modern, dynamic and interconnected Commonwealth that combines the richness of history and tradition with the great social, cultural and technological achievements of our time.”
It was also revealed yesterday that the Queen’s diary is “under review” and she is unlikely to ever again take on any major public events such as investments. Sources emphasize that the 95-year-old monarchy is not sick and is “more than ever devoted to its public duties.”
But it is believed that senior royal aides, as well as the Queen herself, have resigned themselves to the fact that “the weaknesses that accompany a long life” are finally overtaking her.
She will still attend public events where possible, but her appearances will be significantly reduced.
This means that standing on your feet during the public investment hour is out of the question and will instead be held by the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge and the Princess Royal.