Prince Andrew is scheduled to attend a royal event with King Charles today; however, he faces accusations of trying to "worm his way back into public life." The Duke of York will reportedly don his ermine robes for the Royal Victorian Order party, an event that honors individuals for their service and loyalty to the monarch.
A dinner at Windsor Castle is also planned, with up to 600 guests in attendance, including His Majesty and Prince Edward. The Duke's velvet robes and shining insignia signify his position as a Knight of the Garter, a personal honor he retained despite being stripped of his military and HRH titles.
Following a sex abuse scandal, which he denies, Andrew was forced to step back from royal duties. He paid a £12 million out-of-court settlement to his accuser, Virginia Giuffre, and was subsequently prevented from appearing alongside the late Queen at the traditional Garter Day procession in Windsor.
Former MP Norman Baker commented on the Duke's alleged attempts to reenter public life, telling The Sun, "[Andrew] is simply being allowed to play dressing up as a royal for the day when really he should be serving a long period of silence." Ingrid Seward, of Majesty magazine, noted, "He is a member, so they probably couldn't stop him going even if they wanted to."
Recent reports suggest that King Charles might prohibit his brother from wearing ceremonial robes at the May 6 coronation. Andrew is said to be "furious" over potentially losing this privilege, and the monarch appears to be undecided on the matter.
A source disclosed that the Duke of York had been "left completely in the dark" about his role and required attire for the coronation, despite other attendees receiving notifications in advance. The royal insider added, "Andrew is furious. He's already not playing a part and now he feels he is being disrespected and dictated to over something he is fully entitled to (wear)."
Meanwhile, during an event in New York earlier this month, Andrew's ex-wife Sarah Ferguson mentioned she had not yet received an invitation to the coronation. She said, "I'm travelling at the moment, so maybe it [invitation] has gone to another place." If she does not receive an invitation, she plans to set up a tea room with bunting and cakes near the coronation venue.
