Prince Andrew has remained on his "sabbatical" leave despite the easing of lockdown measures in the United Kingdom. Reports recalled that he stepped back from his royal post last year following his "bombshell" interview with BBC.
While it remains unclear when he will return to his duties and responsibilities as a senior working royal, a royal expert claimed that he will likely face "humiliating" changes once he returns. It will, also, be a "bitter pill" to swallow for the Duke of York, according to the Daily Express.
Speaking to the publication, royal expert Nigel Cawthorne stated that Prince Andrew has always "enjoyed" his independence in his status within the British Monarchy. He countered, however, that this might no longer continue once he resumes his royal duties.
Cawthorne claimed that the Duke of York will most likely work under Prince Charles' wing, adding that he might no longer have direct access to Queen Elizabeth when it comes to official matters. Despite retaining his styles and titles, the expert noted that his "autonomy" has already come to an "irrevocable end."
Earlier in August, the royal website removed Prince Andrew's social media links on the platform. The same thing happened to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. Nevertheless, they still have their own bio pages on the website, according to InStyle.
Reports said that it makes total sense why the royal officials removed the links of the three royals' social media accounts. As recalled, the Duke of York stepped back from his post in November, while the Sussex couple quit the royal life in March. Amid all the talks, though, Buckingham Palace has not, reportedly, commented on the move.
Prince Andrew faced several controversies late last year due to his affiliations with the disgraced billionaire Jeffrey Epstein. In an attempt to clear his name, he sat down in an interview with Emily Maitlis. However, it did not end well, which then resulted in him stepping back from his royal post.
Following the announcement, the Duke of York, reportedly, "disappeared" from the public eye. There were a few times, though, when he stepped out of his royal residence to be with his family.
During Christmas, reports said that he went out twice to walk with his youngest daughter, Princess Eugenie, and his brother, Prince Charles later. A month later, he joined Queen Elizabeth to attend a church service.
Amid the lockdown, several publications reported that he and his wife, Sarah Ferguson, have stayed in quarantine together. Some pictures showing them doing charity works to help the frontline workers, also, went viral.
