As far as courtiers are concerned, Andrew is to have “no involvement whatsoever” in the events in May and June. But ultimately it will be for HM to decide who is or is not invited to mark her historic 70-year reign.
If a thanksgiving service for the Duke of Edinburgh is deemed as a “family” event, they ask, what is to stop Andrew interpreting the planned St Paul’s Cathedral ceremony in honour of his mother in exactly the same way?
Perhaps the more pertinent question is whether Prince Charles or the Duke of Cambridge are going to allow that to happen, after they were the ones who helped to convince the Queen that Andrew no longer had a rightful place on the Buckingham Palace balcony.
While sources close to both princes have played down yesterday morning’s “screaming” headlines, there is no doubt there are genuine fears behind palace gates that the Queen risks not only being tainted by association with Andrew, but also overshadowed by the strength of public feeling against him. “The reaction wasn’t quite as hysterical as suggested,” said one insider. “All they want to do is protect the Queen.”
Royal watchers have noted that the Duke has not visited Clarence House in many months, suggesting that while he and the Prince of Wales share a love for their mother, they are not particularly close.
Since Charles, 73, has made no secret of his desire for a slimmed-down monarchy when the time comes, Andrew’s hopes of redemption are undoubtedly on borrowed time.
As royal author Phil Dampier puts it: “The Queen has always been Andrew’s greatest supporter, but I have my doubt over whether he can make a comeback when sadly she is gone. Without her protection, I can’t see any way back for him, if Charles and William get their way.”
And what of Prince William’s attitude towards his uncle? Sources close to the Duke say his role in Andrew’s downfall has, in fact, been overplayed.
As second in line to the throne, he is involved in decisions that affect the future of the institution he will one day lead, but he is not in a position to influence a relationship he is one generation removed from.
