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Notorious Hollywood Harry made sure that the world knew he would not attend unless he was treated in the same manner as the reigning monarch, Philip’s widow, Queen Elizabeth. Needless to say, he was a no-show, branded “pathetic” for using security concerns as the excuse for his bad behavior.
Royal Family News – Harry Was A No-Show
Harry’s equal in the disgraced department is Prince Andrew and he more than made up for Harry’s absence by being front and center as his mother’s escort. Earlier this month Andrew paid millions to a woman who accused him of sexual assault. He did so via an out-of-court settlement rumored to be funded by his mother and brother Prince Charles.
Royal watcher Richard Kay reports that Andrew’s primary role will have, “consequences … far beyond the perimeter of the ancient Abbey.”
No one disputed he should pay homage to his father—but his being a focal point was bad optics that went down hard for many, with the other seniors reportedly snubbing Andrew.
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Royal Family News – Is Andrew Planning A Comeback?
Kay notes, “Sitting with his daughters in the largely anonymous second tier of family members was one thing, striding center stage as his mother’s liegeman was potentially perilous.”
Andrew has been banished from royal life, stripped of his military titles and patronages, and banned from using ‘His Royal Highness’ title.
Thus, “his proximity to the Queen at yesterday’s thanksgiving has provoked dismay at the Palace.”
Royal Family News – Has Andrew caused Dismay?
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According to Kay, the bold appearance has provoked the fear that Andrew will attempt to “creep” back to the limelight after his eviction from the front line. Andrew is thought to be the queen’s favorite child—was this a simple statement of, “the Queen putting motherhood ahead of monarchy?”
Whatever her reasoning, one thing is clear: behind the scenes, Prince Andrew is seemingly the only one who wants his return to public duty. Then again, if the queen can decree that former public enemy number one, Camilla, be made queen, is there a road back to redemption for Andrew as well?
Nazir Afzal is the former chief crown prosecutor for north-west England and his comment mirrors the sentiment of many: “I’m all for rehabilitation but it starts with facing justice, accepting responsibility, and working to rebuild victims’ confidence. None of that is present here so far,” as regards Andrew.
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