Royals make 'family decision' to ban Prince Andrew from public appearance

The monarchy has made a 'family decision' to restrict the Duke of York's appearance on Garter Day.

Andrew will not be seen publicly during the royal event and will only take part in a behind-the-scenes lunch and investiture ceremony. It is believed that his appearance was heavily lobbied against by the Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge.

It comes after the duke's reputation was tarnished due to his involvement in a civil sexual assault case. While the Queen had signalled her support for Andrew - rumoured to be her favourite child - at the Duke of Edinburgh memorial service in March, he will now be pushed to behind-doors events during Garter Day.

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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."

Meanwhile, the Queen herself will not be taking part in the procession of the Garter Knight who will walk through the grounds of Windsor Castle to St George's Hall.

It is expected the monarch will travel by car to the place of worship due to her recently reported mobility issues. She will also likely attend the lunch and the investiture ceremony.

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