Prince Charles 'despairing' over Prince Andrew’s 'front and center' role at Prince Philip’s memorial
Senior royals were reportedly against the Queen's decision to give Prince Andrew a prominent role at Prince Philip's memorial service
Prince Charles and Prince William expressed 'dismay' over Prince Andrew's prominent role at Prince Philip's memorial service on Tuesday, according to royal insiders.
- Prince Charles and Prince William were dismayed by Prince Andrew's 'front-and-center' role at Prince Philip's memorial service on Tuesday, according to a royal source.
- The Duke of York escorted the Queen to her seat at Westminster Abbey for all the cameras to see, in what was reportedly a last-minute decision that had not been approved by the family.
- In other royal news, Princess Charlotte's adorable reaction to cameras at Prince Philip's memorial service has royal fans in tears.
Senior royals were left in 'dismay' by Prince Andrew's 'front and center' role at the Duke of Edinburgh's Service of Thanksgiving yesterday, according to inside sources.
The Duke of York escorted the Queen down the aisle of Westminster Abbey for Prince Philip's memorial ceremony on Tuesday morning, marking his first public appearance since his US sex abuse case with Virginia Giuffre was settled in February.
It's understood that the 62-year-old was only expected to accompany his mother from Windsor Castle to the London cathedral, where she would then be guided by the Dean of Westminster to her seat.
Andrew remained by her side, however, after entering the church and continued to guide her all the way to the front pew. This decision, which reportedly hadn't been approved by any senior royals, is said to have caused significant 'consternation' within the famous family.
"There was no suggestion beforehand that he would be supporting her in that way. It hadn't been discussed specifically but it was hoped that common sense would intervene," a source told the Mail Online. "Clearly it didn't. There is dismay. I think people accept that this doesn't look good."
It's understood that Prince Andrew, who was stripped of his military honors and royal patronages earlier this year, 'insisted' that he walk the Queen up the aisle in an effort to convey her 'endorsement' of him.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
"No one would have found out until it was too late The Prince of Wales will be despairing at the decision," the source added. "And I don't think the Duke of Cambridge will be too happy either. But that's Andrew all over."
Ultimately, it was the Queen who made the final call on whether or not the disgraced royal should participate in the ceremony.
According to royal experts, her inclusion of Prince Andrew in the ceremony reflects the 95-year-old monarch's desire to prove her steadfast loyalty to her family.
"This was her way of quietly showing 'OK, he messed up really badly, this was a disgrace, but he is my son,'" former BBC correspondent Jennie Bond told the Express.
Hailing from the lovely city of Dublin, Emma mainly covers the Royal Family and the entertainment world, as well as the occasional health and wellness feature. Always up for a good conversation, she has a passion for interviewing everyone from A-list celebrities to the local GP - or just about anyone who will chat to her, really.
Emma holds an MA in International Journalism from City, University of London, and a BA in English Literature from Trinity College Dublin.
-
Where is The Hardacres filmed? Locations featured in the Channel 5 rags-to-riches drama
The real filming locations used for The Hardacres might surprise you
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
Demi Moore’s stunning red carpet look proves why this ‘underrated’ type of eyeliner makes perfect party makeup
Prefer to keep your beauty routine simple? Demi Moore's eyeliner offers a quick and chic solution to party-ready makeup...
By Naomi Jamieson Published
-
Kate Middleton and Prince William's divisive sleeping set-up at Adelaide Cottage won’t be for everyone
The Prince of Wales has reportedly revealed his and Kate's sleeping set-up and they've made a decision that might divide the crowd
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton’s favourite dessert is a decadent classic that she enjoys at cosy Berkshire pub
The Princess of Wales is said to love an indulgent British dessert and Prince William seemingly just confirmed it's her 'favourite'
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Prince William's excuse to get out of 'competitive' game night with Middletons
Prince William is reportedly not a big fan of the Middleton family's 'favourite' fast-paced card game and he used this excuse to get out of it
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate and William thought Prince George would 'freak out' trying their 'adored' hobby - but he loves it!
The Prince and Princess of Wales have introduced their eldest son to an adventurous hobby and Prince George has become a big fan
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Prince Louis’ hilarious habit revealed by Prince William - and Princess Charlotte probably isn’t a huge fan
Prince William shared a relatable confession about Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte during his visit to a school in Llanelli
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton’s favourite hobby that is ‘less than satisfying’ for King Charles
Kate Middleton's favourite hobby is one her father-in-law isn't a fan of and King Charles took up something else after finding it 'impossible'
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Carole and Michael Middleton’s beautiful home ‘nearly’ had roof ‘blown off’ by Prince William
The Prince of Wales reportedly once almost blew the roof off the Middletons' home and it was revealed in Michael's wedding speech
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton once given chance to ‘back out’ of royal life thanks to Prince William’s selfless choice
Prince William revealed in their engagement interview that he'd wanted Kate to be able to 'back out' if she wanted, before it got 'too much'
By Emma Shacklock Published