Is Prince Andrew going to be spending Christmas with Queen Elizabeth and the royal family in Sandringham? A royal expert believes that the Duke of York might choose not to join this year as the last few weeks have been scandalous and controversial, thus dividing his family.
Royal expert Daniela Elser said that there are strong speculations Prince Andrew won't be spending Christmas in Sandringham. Although he and the Queen remain tight and have been spotted together in Windsor, even after his ill-received BBC interview, the royal family and the public itself have been divided over Prince Andrew's situation.
Esler said that since six out 10 British people think that Prince Andrew soiled the royal family's reputation, because of his association with a sex offender. Thus, it would be odd to see him happily smiling with his kin come Christmas time. Although Queen Elizabeth's holiday is a private celebration, there will be photographs of who's coming and leaving the Sandringham estate for public consumption.
Meanwhile, reports revealed that Queen Elizabeth has already cancelled Prince Andrew's 60th birthday party for February next year. According to The Sunday Times, the royal family will instead celebrate his birthday with a small family dinner.
In contrast, Prince Charles was given a grand 60th birthday party at Buckingham Palace in 2008. Queen Elizabeth invited 400 guests, many of whom were European royalty, for the shindig.
The Queen has also stripped Prince Andrew from the guest list for her dinner with the NATO leaders, including President Donald Trump, this December. Buckingham Palace confirmed that the Duke of York will not be attending the said event even if he is quite good friends with the U.S. President.
Meanwhile, the FBI is reportedly interested in interviewing Prince Andrew regarding what he knows about Epstein's activities. When BBC's Emily Maitis asked him if he will testify under oath, Queen Elizabeth's son said that he will cooperate but he will need to seek legal advice as well. According to royal correspondent Roya Nikkha, the U.S. Justice Department is allegedly setting up the logistics of how they can speak with the royal in Britain.
Prince Andrew resigned from his royal duties as a result of the backlash of his interview. As a result, he's no longer the patron nor connected in over 230 charities supported by the royal family. Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth has remained mum about this whole controversy but sources said Prince Charles might soon takeover as head of the family.
