In a surprising turn of events, Prince Andrew appears to be back in the fold of the royal family after being spotted with Prince William and Princess Kate.
The trio was seen driving to church together, marking a significant moment for the Duke of York, who has faced considerable scrutiny in recent years.
Sources reveal that Andrew is likely to engage more publicly with the royal family going forward.
This shift comes despite King Charles‘ previous wishes to keep him at a distance.
An insider shared details with The Mirror, suggesting that the King has reconsidered his stance on Andrew’s public appearances.
The buzz began when Prince William took it upon himself to include Andrew in a church outing during the family’s summer vacation in Scotland.
This gesture has been interpreted as a sign of Andrew’s reintegration into royal life, as he was photographed alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales, signaling a renewed connection.
According to a source close to Balmoral, there was some initial hesitation regarding Andrew’s invitation to join the royal couple.
However, a call on Sunday morning confirmed that he would accompany them, much to his delight.
“It’s more than he could have asked for,” the insider remarked, highlighting Andrew’s eagerness to reconnect with family.
King Charles has reportedly had several discussions with his brother about this situation.
While Andrew hopes to return to his official duties, the King has opted for a more personal approach, indicating a desire to move past the family’s tumultuous history.
With so much on his plate, the King seems eager to mend fences.
Interestingly, this development follows a significant change in Andrew’s status within the family.
Last year, both Charles and William supported the late Queen’s decision to strip Andrew of his military titles and charitable roles after he settled a sual assault claim with Virginia Giuffre for £12 million.
It’s worth noting that Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing in this matter.
Despite no longer holding formal royal duties, Andrew has not been entirely absent from family events.
He attended key occasions like last year’s King’s Coronation and the Christmas Walkabout at Sandringham, suggesting that his ties to the family remain intact, albeit in a different capacity.
Tensions do exist between Charles and Andrew, particularly regarding Andrew’s residence at Windsor’s Royal Lodge.
The King is reportedly keen on having Andrew downsize to save on security costs, reflecting a complicated relationship that still carries familial undertones.
As the royal family navigates these changes, the timing of this news is particularly intriguing.
It coincides with the upcoming premiere of “A Very Royal Scandal,” an Amazon Prime series set to debut on September 19.