Sorry Prince Andrew! The Duke of York, reportedly, has “no way” of retaining his royal role after hatching a plot to return to serve the UK.
Prince Andrew will “very much remain on the outside” until he clears his name following his connections to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. Since he isn’t cooperative with American investigators, it seems like it may take a while.
On Monday, The Telegraph reported that Buckingham Palace sources insist that the Duke of York can’t return to his public duties.
The 60-year-old Duke was dumped from royal duties for 11 months now following his car-crash BBC interview detailing his connection to the disgraced financier and his accused madam, Ghislaine Maxwell.
Maxwell is currently detained as she is set for a trial for illegal prostitution charges.
In November 2019, Her Majesty’s second-youngest son was questioned about his ties to Epstein and allegations that he assaulted Virginia Roberts (Giuffre) when she was a teenager.
Shortly after, Prince Andrew withdrew from public life.
Queen’s favorite son returning?
According to The Sunday Times, there have already been “family discussions” about Prince Andrew’s return in the British royal family’s front line.
However, a royal aide confirmed to the outlet that with the Epstein probe still hanging over him, it would be difficult for the dad-of-two to represent the British monarchy.
“His presence could overshadow the work of the monarchy,” the aide said.
The source also explained that despite the royal family being supportive about what life will be for him once all of the issues are resolved, “the palace is not currently planning any future rebranding of his role.”
After all, Queen Elizabeth II always had a sweet spot for her favorite son, and she has the “bigger say” on his return.
No way of getting back?
But despite wanting to head back to “support the monarchy” and work on “reframing” a role so he could return to public duties next year, palace insiders insist that he has zero chance to return to his former role.
While Prince Andrew is confident of clearing his name, he’s “philosophical” that he can’t carry on as normal, the source added.
Another source said that whatever the Duke of York would think his future would be like, he shouldn’t assume that his views are shared by the people who actually make the family’s decisions.
“There is no way of him ever returning to front line duties, and he will remain very much on the outside.”
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