It has been revealed that Prince Andrew will not be present when the NATO leaders, including US President Donald Trump, visit the Queen at Buckingham Palace.
This is another setback for the Duke of York who is still reeling from the fallout from his controversial television interview with the BBC a few weeks ago.
The Queen’s second eldest son has faced backlash for his answers in that interview where he was questioned about the links between himself and convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Latest Setback For Prince Andrew
Shortly after the interview aired, the prince was forced the fire his senior aide. As well as that, he also felt the repercussions as several large organisations withdrew their support for his entrepreneur schemes. He also was forced to step down as the chancellor and patron of two major universities in the United Kingdom.
His absence will be noted by those in attendance as many of the other members of the royal family will be in attendance for the event to welcome the leaders to the country.
In the announcement, it was also revealed that the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall would be alongside the Queen to greet the international delegation when they make their visit.
Among the other royals that will be at the event are the Earl of Wessex, Princess Royal, Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. One other notable name that also won’t be in attendance is the Duke of Cambridge who will be away on an official trip to the Middle East.
Prince Andrew Steps Back From Royal Duties
Prior to this announcement, it was revealed that Prince Andrew would be stepping back from his royal duties until there are some answers from the case involving Epstein.
In the official statement, the prince said: “It has become clear to me over the last few days that the circumstances relating to my former association with Jeffrey Epstein has become a major disruption to my family’s work and the valuable work going on in the many organisations and charities that I am proud to support.
“Therefore, I have asked Her Majesty if I may step back from public duties for the foreseeable future, and she has given her permission.
“I continue to regret my ill-judged association with Jeffrey Epstein unequivocally. His suicide has left many unanswered questions, particularly for his victims, and I deeply sympathise with everyone who has been affected and wants some form of closure. I can only hope that, in time, they will be able to rebuild their lives.”
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