The King's brother is to skip a Palace lunch today having already bowed out of the traditional festivities at Sandringham over his links to an alleged Chinese spy. Now he will also miss today's pre-Christmas private celebration at Buckingham Palace where more than 70 members of the extended family will gather.
The Duke of York is understood to have been persuaded by his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson that it would have been unwise for them to attend. The withdrawal will come as a relief for King Charles, with his younger sibling once again in the spotlight over a controversial business relationship.
Andrew, 64, and Sarah, 65, had decided against joining the rest of The Firm at Sandringham over his relationship with Yang Tengbo.
Veteran royal author Phil Dampier said: "It is a tragic downfall for someone who returned from the Falklands War as a war hero. I am very surprised that Andrew has pulled out of the Buckingham Palace lunch because it is a private event and he would only be seen arriving in his car.
"Other members of the family are sympathetic towards him, but it seems at the moment he is being influenced by his ex-wife Sarah who is perhaps playing a longer game now that she is back in the bosom of the Royal Family." Mr Dampier thinks the Duchess of York is keen to avoid further embarrassment for the King.
Andrew's withdrawal Sandringham was also likely to have been influenced by his two daughters' earlier decisions to spend the festive period with their respective in-laws.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Eddie has know-Howe to keep Isak at Toon
EDDIE HOWE is targeting a Champions League return as he bids to fend off interest in Newcastle's star striker Alexander Isak.
WE'RE ALL IN IT TOGETHER
Unhappy Martinez urges the United players to put some pride back in shirt
Hunt on for one more Mo record
GOALS CHASE MAY YET INSPIRE SALAH TO STAY
JACK UNFAZED BY NEW STATUS
Draper won't lose sleep over filling Murray's big shoes
Bunting is hoping better sleep can also revive Smith
STEPHEN BUNTING says hypnotism saved his career - and now Michael Smith could be heading for the last trance saloon.
IAG shares soar as BA plans £7bn business transformation
ANALYSTS are backing IAG shares next year as the group’s flagship British Airways brand pushes ahead with a £7bn transformation plan.
Veteran survived D-Day to become UK's oldest man
Desert Rat sniper Donald is 110 today
Hero saved lives in Hamas attack unaware his son had been killed
A HERO ambulance volunteer who helped save dozens of wounded victims in the October 7 Hamas attack was unaware his son had been murdered in the assault.
Dementia expert's Christmas advice for family gatherings
A LIFESTYLE expert has compiled a guide for Daily Express readers on how to approach the subject of dementia with children at Christmas.
Keir pledge to Kyiv on training troops
SIR Keir Starmer yesterday spoke to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, with the pair agreeing to \"refine\" UK training of Kyiv's armed forces.
