As King Charles III's coronation approaches, reports suggest that Prince Andrew, Duke of York, is expected to attend the ceremony, potentially leading to public concern, especially if he is given a specific role.
Shola Mos-Shogbamimu, author of "This Is Why I Resist," told Newsweek that she expects Prince Andrew to be present, as "he's still a prince of the realm and he's still the Duke of York." She anticipates that people will "make a noise" about his attendance, but it will depend on whether he is simply present or has a particular function. Mos-Shogbamimu assumes that he will only be attending, citing his presence at previous royal events such as Prince Philip's and Queen Elizabeth II's funerals.
Nigel Cawthorne, author of "Prince Andrew, Maxwell, and the Palace," believes there will be significant pressure for the Duke of York to have "some kind of minor role" at the coronation. Cawthorne recalled Prince Andrew's participation in the funeral events for his mother, including the Vigil of the Princes and procession around her coffin. He notes, however, that the focus will be on the crowning itself, not the controversial royal.
Cawthorne also doubts that King Charles III would allow his brother to appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony during the coronation, suggesting that it will likely be limited to Charles, Camilla, William, and Kate.
Buckingham Palace has yet to release the final guest list for the May 6 coronation, but it is expected to include royal family members such as Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Prince Andrew. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back from their royal duties in 2020 and currently reside in California with their children.
Prince Andrew withdrew from public life in 2019 due to his association with convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. In January 2022, Queen Elizabeth II stripped him of his royal patronages and military titles. His recent appearance escorting his mother into Westminster Abbey for Prince Philip's memorial service surprised many, just a month after settling his sexual abuse case out of court with accuser Virginia Roberts Giuffre. His attendance at King Charles III's coronation may reignite public scrutiny.
