As the royal family carries on with its duties amid Prince Andrew’s latest controversy, Buckingham Palace issued its first statement following the Duke of York’s major decision to step away from upcoming events.
King Charles made his first public appearance since reports emerged suggesting that Prince Andrew had been urged to “stay away” from the traditional Christmas celebrations at Sandringham, reported by the Daily Mail. The Palace shared glimpses of the monarch attending an Advent Service in London, where he met with religious leaders, Christian refugees, and local community members affected by homelessness.
“The King has attended an Advent Service celebrating the strength and courage of faith communities, at Farm Street Church in London,” the Palace statement read, accompanied by a series of photos from the service. “After the service, His Majesty met representatives of @aidtothechurchinneed_uk and different charitable initiatives supported by the Church, including those focusing on community outreach and helping the homeless.”
The statement comes just days after reports surfaced about Prince Andrew’s alleged connection with a “Chinese spy,” further adding to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the disgraced royal. His involvement in the sex scandal and ties to financier Jeffrey Epstein continue to weigh heavily on his public image.
An insider revealed that due to the “embarrassment” Andrew has caused the royal family, he will not attend the royal family’s traditional Christmas gathering. However, the insider hinted that he may still make an appearance at the royal lunch scheduled for Thursday.
It remains uncertain whether Andrew will attend any of the upcoming royal events, as tensions within the family continue to rise. King Charles, meanwhile, remains focused on his royal duties, showing continued commitment to his charitable efforts despite the ongoing challenges surrounding his brother. The Palace’s recent posts underscore the monarchy’s intent to move forward with “business as usual,” despite the shadow of scandal surrounding one of its members.