Prince Andrew is expected to appear alongside the Queen for Garter Day at Windsor Castle on June 13, despite the fallout from his abuse scandal and his links to pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
The Duke of York will attend one of the most important ceremonies on the royal calendar alongside other senior royals.
His name will also appear in the next day’s Court Circular and will participate in Garter Day ceremonies as a Royal Knight.
Andrew was stripped of all his honorary military titles and HRH designation in January over the civil sexual abuse case involving Virginia Giuffre — an Epstein victim who claimed Andrew sexually assaulted her when she was just 17 years old.
The Duke of York and Giuffre finally settled out of court earlier this year for an undisclosed fee, but the settlement is believed to be worth millions of pounds and the case has ruined Andrew’s reputation.
There are now fears that Andrew’s participation in the Garter Day celebrations could overshadow the event, particularly after he is said to have agreed to retire after the case is concluded.
Prince Andrew is expected to appear alongside the Queen for Garter Day at Windsor Castle on June 13, despite the fallout from his abuse scandal and links to pedophile Jeffrey Epstein (The Queen and Prince Andrew pictured at Trooping The Color in 2019).
Andrew was stripped of all his honorary military titles and HRH designation in January over the civil sexual abuse case involving Virginia Giuffre — an Epstein victim who claimed Andrew sexually assaulted her when she was just 17 years old
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Andrew, centre right, arrive for a service of thanksgiving for the life of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey in London on Tuesday March 29, 2022
In the Middle Ages, King Edward III. so inspired by the tales of King Arthur and the chivalry of the Knights of the Round Table that he founded his own group of honorable knights, the Order of the Garter.
Almost 700 years later, the order is the oldest and oldest chivalric order in Britain. Knights, now both male and female, were formerly restricted to the aristocracy, but today they are chosen from a variety of backgrounds in recognition of their public service.
The annual iconic Garter Day procession, with the Queen and Knights marching in rich velvet robes, glittering regalia and plumed hats, is one of the most traditional ceremonies on the Queen’s calendar.
The Queen is Sovereign of the Order and appoints Knights of the Garter without input from ministers, meaning Prince Andrew’s appointment was considered private.
Hundreds are expected to gather in Windsor to see the procession, although it’s unknown if the Queen will attend given her recent mobility and health issues.
In years past, the Queen donned lavishly flowing robes, which she wore with the garter during public procession and services.
She is expected to attend the ceremony in the Garter Throne Room and luncheon in the Waterloo Chamber this year, health permitting.
The Order of the Garter is a 700 year old tradition recognizing great public service. Membership is limited to a maximum of 24 and is normally Lords and Ladies with The Queen leaving in 2018 naming members at its discretion
The Queen and Prince Andrew are expected to be joined by the Duchess of Cornwall, Princess Anne and Prince Edward, as well as several other senior royals.
She will be alongside seven other senior members of the royal family including Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.
News of the Duke of York’s expected attendance at Garter Day celebrations comes as it has been confirmed that the Queen will not take the royal salute at Trooping the Color next month for the first time in 70 years as she continues to shoulder responsibility senior members delegated The company.
Her Majesty’s birthday on June 2 has historically seen the monarch’s personal troops, the Household Division, at Horse Guards Parade, with the Queen herself present and taking the salute.
Instead, this year the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge and the Princess Royal will ride in the parade as Colonels of the Welsh Guards, Irish Guards and Blues and Royals.
The Queen will not take the royal salute at Trooping the Color for the first time in 70 years as she continues to delegate responsibility to senior members of The Firm. She is pictured on the balcony of Buckingham Place during the ceremony in 2019
The news comes as the 96-year-old monarch continues to entrust members of the royal family with more responsibilities as she faces “episodic mobility issues”.
According to the Sunday Times, Her Majesty is still hoping to attend the ceremony that kicks off the Queen’s four-day platinum jubilee celebrations.
The news comes as the 96-year-old monarch continues to entrust members of the royal family with more responsibilities as she faces “episodic mobility issues”.
Earlier this month, Her Majesty missed the State Opening of Parliament for the first time in 59 years, with Prince Charles and Prince William being given the power to act jointly on behalf of the Queen at the event.
However, she has made three public outings this month, including attending the Windsor Horse Show, the star-studded Platinum Jubilee celebrations in Windsor and the opening of the Elizabeth Tube line, and appeared to be in good spirits with all.