09 June 2023 , 20:36
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Prince Andrew has been barred from the Order of the Garter Day procession at Windsor Castle later this month, it has been claimed.
The Duke of York, 63, is understood to have hoped to be involved in the grand affair, one of the most hallowed ceremonies in the royal calendar.
It will see King Charles and his knights don velvet robes, glistening insignia and plumed hats.
Andrew - who was forced to step down from royal duties in 2019 before being stripped of his titles - was booted from the event at the 11th hour last year.
And it appears Buckingham Palace has doubled down on its approach to limit the disgraced Duke's public appearances.
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He has been pushed into the background following scandals involving Jeffrey Epstein and trafficking victim Virginia Giuffre.
Buckingham Palace is thought to be looking to set a precedent (Getty Images)Ms Giuffre brought a civil case alleging Prince Andrew had forced her to have sex with him on three occasions in 2001 when she was 17 years old.
Andrew denies the allegations and later agreed to an out of court settlement with his accuser. The settlement is not an admission of guilt and Prince Andrew continues to deny any wrongdoing.
Sources have told Express.co.uk the 2022 procession set a precedent and Andrew will continue to be denied a public-facing role at the even on June 19.
There was allegedly some optimism Charles and Prince William were starting to adopt a softer approach, considering the Duke was allowed to wear his ceremonial robes for the Coronation.
Many were shocked to see him in the Order of the Garter robes at Westminster Abbey last month, considering he is no longer a working royal.
Prince Harry, who stepped down in 2020 to move to the US with wife Meghan Markle, wore a morning suit, in comparison.
Some had believed King Charles was softening his attitude to his brother (Getty Images)Andrew appeared prominently on the walk to the church on Easter Sunday as well.
He was allowed to attend private events during last year's Order of the Garter Day - but was axed from a public role.
The King and Prince of Wales are said to have intervened at the last minute, arguing it was better for their brother and uncle, respectively, to stay out of the spotlight.
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Andrew has been a Garter Knight since 2006.
An insider said following his exclusion last year it was a "family decision".
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “The Duke of York will attend the investiture and lunch today but will not be part of the procession or service.”
Buckingham Palace declined to comment in relation to Andrew's involvement this year.