Prince Andrew tested positive for COVID-19 and would no longer attend Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations. However, it looks like not everyone believes that the diagnosis is true.
Prince Andrew's diagnosis came out on Thursday, June 2, but he was reportedly photographed riding a horse in Windsor on Wednesday, June 1. As he looked fine and healthy, some doubted if he was really sick or was only using it as a reason not to attend the Platinum Jubilee celebrations for his convenience.
A spokesperson released a statement about the 62-year-old's health and announced he would no longer attend a public service scheduled for Friday, June 3, per The New York Post. The royal family members are supposed to gather together to honor the Queen.
The troubled royal reportedly took a routine test and had tested positive for the virus. "The duke has tested positive for COVID and with regret will no longer be attending tomorrow's service," the statement read.
However, royal watchers were said to be skeptical of Prince Andrew's diagnosis. Many said it seemed to be a "convenient way" to remove him from the festivities.
A netizen even tweeted that it was the "definition of convenience." Another social media pundit said the diagnosis was the perfect way for the royals to handle the situation.
He explained that the institution knew it would be a terrible PR if the controversial prince attended the events. However, if he chose to go for no reason, some might see it as an "admission of guilt," so they probably came up with the COVID-19 diagnosis.
Prince Andrew wasn't part of the Trooping the Colour event on Thursday. The balcony photo op was only reserved for the senior members of the royal family. After his Jeffrey Epstein and Virginia Giuffre controversy, the Duke of York no longer holds any public duties.
People reported that Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie's father was expected to grace the National Service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul's Cathedral on Friday.
Queen Elizabeth stripped off Prince Andrew's military titles and patronages in January amid his lawsuit filed by Virginia Giuffre. The latter claimed he was forced to sleep with the prince when she was 17 after being trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein. Prince Andrew vehemently denied the accusation.
Prince Andrew has retained his title as the Duke of York and remained in the line of succession to the throne, though he can no longer use the style "His Royal Highness" in any official capacity.
