Andrew Windsor suffered another reported setback from Charles
Andrew Windsor has suffered what royal insiders have described as another major setback after being excluded from this year’s Order of the Garter events, reinforcing the sense that the Duke of York’s days at the heart of royal life are firmly behind him.
If RadarOnline.com According to reports, King Charles’ 66-year-old younger brother, 77, was once a prominent figure at major royal occasions and regularly appeared alongside his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, at some of the monarchy’s most important ceremonial events.
However, Andrew’s lack of participation in any aspect of this year’s Garter Day celebrations at Windsor Castle, held on June 15, is widely interpreted as the latest sign of his continued isolation from public royal duties.
Although he has largely stayed away from the public elements of the event in recent years, he was previously involved in some private aspects of the day – but no longer.
A source told us: “Garter Day was always one of the highlights of Andrew’s royal calendar as it symbolized his place within the inner circle of the monarchy and its age-old traditions.
“It was an occasion that cemented his identity as a senior member of the royal family, even after he retired from public duties. That is why being excluded from every aspect of this year’s event is seen as particularly significant. For many observers, it underlines how far he has fallen from the position he once held.
‘There is a growing feeling among royal insiders that the institution has definitely passed him by. With every year that passes, and with every major royal occasion that takes place without his intervention, the prospect of a meaningful return seems more and more remote.
“The prevailing view is that the monarchy has adapted to life without Andrew and has little interest in revisiting past arrangements.”
Andrew was stripped of his Order of the Garter award last October due to his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The Order of the Garter is Britain’s oldest and highest knightly order, founded by King Edward III in 1348.
Each year, members gather at Windsor Castle for a procession and religious service, marked by elaborate ceremonial dress, including the order’s signature robes and feathered caps.
Membership includes the monarch, who serves as Sovereign of the Garter, senior members of the royal family and a limited number of knights personally chosen by the king in recognition of public services or contributions to national life.
For decades, Andrew was a familiar presence at the event and was often considered one of the most visible members of the royal family.
His presence continued to have symbolic significance even after he retired from public duties and was stripped of the use of his HRH style in an official capacity.
A royal source said: ‘What makes this exclusion particularly painful is that Garter Day had a significance for Andrew that went far beyond a routine royal appearance. It was one of the occasions that strengthened his bond with the traditions of the monarchy, its hierarchy and his own place within it.
“For decades he was accustomed to attending these events as a senior royal, surrounded by family and playing a visible role in the events. His complete absence is a stark reminder of how dramatically his circumstances have changed. People close to the situation say it forces him to face the reality that the position he once enjoyed no longer exists.
“Watching other members of the family take part in ceremonies that were once such a familiar part of his life would be an increasingly difficult experience and one that underlines how far removed he has become from the center of royal affairs.”
The decision has led to renewed speculation about Andrew’s future place within the monarchy and whether a route back to public royal life remains open.
A palace observer said curtly: “In two words: he’s done.”
