ANGRY WILLS: ‘IT’S ANDREW OR ME’
LONDON: Prince William reportedly threatened to pull out of the annual Garter Day procession if his disgraced uncle Prince Andrew was allowed to take part.
The Duke of Cambridge was said to be “so alarmed” at the prospect of Prince Andrew taking part in the Order of the Garter service — one of the royal family’s oldest traditions — that he made it clear that unless the Duke of York was dropped, he would not be taking part.
Prince Charles also reportedly intervened to ensure his disgraced younger brother did not attend.
A senior source told the London Evening Standard: “The Duke of Cambridge was adamant. If York insisted on taking part publicly, he would withdraw.” Kensington Palace, William’s official residence, did not comment.
Charles and William were said to have agreed their approach before telling the Queen, who made the final decision.
Prince Andrew was noticeably absent from the service in Windsor following the last minute “family decision” to keep him out of the public eye, even though he was listed on the official order of service.
The 96-year-old Queen attended some of the private elements of the event in the Garter Throne Room and held a crutch as she posed for a photograph with Prince Charles and Camilla.
The 62-year-old Duke of York, who did not make a single appearance during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, attended a private lunch and investiture of new members of the Order of the Garter, Buckingham Palace said.
The Queen was at the event for the formal investiture of the new Garter knights, including Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Sir Tony Blair, the former British prime minister.
It is understood that the move to ban Andrew was prompted at least in part by talk at the weekend of a comeback for him.