Prince Andrew's 60th birthday is now fast approaching. With less than two weeks left, the preparations for the celebration have become more apparent these days.
Previous reports, however, claimed that Queen Elizabeth II canceled the royal event after the criticisms his son, as well as the Royal Family, obtained after the Duke's controversial sit-down interview with BBC. Accordingly, it is now expected that his special day will be celebrated more-ordinarily and privately.
According to The Times UK, the third child of the Queen is one of the only "ten members" of the British Royal Family whose birthdays are normally marked by flying the Union flag on state buildings. But, it was revealed that Downing Street had "admitted" today that this matter is "still being looked at."
The reason being is that he is no longer a working royal. He announced his "early retirement" a few months ago amid the controversial interview.
The statements released by the Prime Minister's official spokesperson came after an email sent by Matt Stevenson, the private secretary to Dame Melanie Dawes, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government, reminding the councils about the flying of the Union flag for Prince Andrew's birthday on February 19.
However, aside from the factor that he is no longer a working royal, the reminder about the flying of the Union flag has reportedly met with various criticisms from different institutions.
As per Express UK, the anti-monarchy group, Republic, "insisted" that this should not be done on the Queen's second son's birthday. Not to mention, the councils were said to have much "better things" to worry about rather than focusing on "daft royal protocols."
The CEO of the group, Graham Smith also described it as "crass and offensive" considering the status of Prince Andrew in today's society. Yet, he still noted that even during the "best of times," it is "nonsense" to fly the Union flag for anyone's birthday.
These statements were also similar to what the Liverpool Mayor, Joe Anderson shared about the matter. Based on his assertions, the Liverpool City Council "would ignore" the said request or "any requests" in celebration of Prince Andrew's birthday. He then reasoned that this will be "not appropriate."
Meanwhile, The Guardian just shared today that the bells of Westminster Abbey will still "ring out" for the Duke's 60th birthday. It was reported that a spokesperson confirmed the "traditional ringing of bells." There will be no changes to "these arrangements," the source added.
