Prince Andrewwas notably missing from one of the oldest royal traditions on Monday:Order of the Garter.
Despite being a knight in the Order of the Garter, Andrew did not appear in the public procession or any public aspects of the ceremony even though he was listed in the official program.
A source close to Andrew tells PEOPLE his withdrawal was a “personal decision” made in consultation with his family.
Prince Andrew.Chris Jackson/WPA Pool/Getty Images
Andrew has not been involved in any public royal event — apart from accompanying his mother to a thanksgiving service for his late fatherPrince Philipin March — for a couple of years in the wake of his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
However, Andrew did take part in a private ceremony inside the castle on Monday that saw Camilla and former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair invested in the Order of the Garter.
Andrew’s absence also meant that he didn’t overshadow Camilla’s big day, which would have been a relief to Charles. It’s likely that the heir to the throne argued that Andrew does not show his face at the prestigious event.
In February, Andrew lost the remaining public accouterments of royal life after settling his lawsuit with his sexual abuse accuser Virginia Guiffre. Andrew has denied the claims she made against him.
Prince William and Prince Edward.Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Dressed in their velvet robes and hats with an ostrich plume,Prince CharlesandPrince Williamdid the ceremonial walk to St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.
The Queen, who has been suffering ongoing mobility issues, did not join her family members in the public portion of Monday’s royal event. She hosted the private meeting and lunch inside the castle.
Can’t get enough ofPEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates onKate Middleton,Meghan Markleand more!
Camilla’s place in the order was announced in December and was seen as one of the steps toward the Queen also confirming that it was her “sincere wish” that Camilla will become Queen Consort whenPrince Charlesaccedes to the throne.
Watching the procession was William’s wifeKate Middleton, 40. Shemade her debut at the service in 2008(three years before their royal wedding) when William was made a knight.
source: people.com
