While most observers noted the presence of a visibly delighted Fergie,Prince Andrew barely got a mention – and this,after years of hugely damaging headlines concerning his ill-advised relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and allegations of sexual abuse,was progress.
It was not so long ago that Andrew was banished from outings as the Royal family moved into damage limitation mode.
But the King’s inclusion of his younger brother,not just in the traditional Christmas outings at Sandringham but also resplendent in his Garter robes at Charles’s Coronation in May,have been interpreted as a public sign of his loyalty.
The salacious and sordid tales of sex abuse and underage orgies that have long accompanied Andrew’s name will never disappear,but they had dissipated. Andrew,a man hugely proud of his status as “Prince of the Blood”,has worked hard on keeping a low profile.
It has not been easy. Havingsettled his case with accuser Virginia Giuffre out of court,with no admission of wrongdoing,in early 2022,he could not understand why the status quo was not immediately resumed.
He agitated for a return to public duties,bending the ear of his mother,Elizabeth II,for months. But in the end he was forced to accept the advice of his aides – keep your head down and do nothing to garner public attention,good or bad.