The Royal Family's traditional Christmas Day appearance at Sandringham was marked by a conspicuous absence this year. While senior royals, led by King Charles and Queen Camilla, walked to the morning church service in good spirits, one figure was missing from the lineup: the former Prince Andrew.
A Festive Walk Shadowed by Scandal
Under sunny but wintry skies, the royals undertook their annual festive walk to St Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham Estate. The Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine, beamed as they accompanied their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. They were followed by the Princess Royal, Anne, with her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, and her daughter Zara Tindall alongside Mike Tindall.
However, Andrew, the King's brother, was nowhere to be seen. His absence follows his dramatic fall from grace, which culminated last month in him being stripped of his royal titles and military affiliations by King Charles. He is now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
The Ongoing Fallout from the Epstein Links
The Duke of York's removal from royal duties stems from the continued fallout over his association with the late convicted paedophile and financier, Jeffrey Epstein, and allegations made by one of Epstein's accusers, Virginia Giuffre. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
The scandal has had severe consequences. Andrew has been served notice to vacate his long-term, rent-free home, the Royal Lodge in Windsor. He is expected to relocate to a property on the Sandringham Estate, Marsh Farm, in the new year. His ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, who has been living with him, is also believed to be seeking a move.
Adding to the pressure, a recent release of documents from the US Department of Justice related to Epstein included a photograph appearing to show Andrew reclining on the laps of four women, with Epstein's former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, looking on. While the image itself implies no illegality, its publication has intensified calls for Andrew to cooperate with the ongoing FBI investigation into Epstein's network.
A Family Divided on Christmas Day
Despite Andrew's absence, a show of family unity was maintained through the presence of his daughters. Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, along with their husbands, attended the service, walking separately from the main group of working royals.
Crowds of enthusiastic well-wishers, some having travelled from overseas, gathered to catch a glimpse of the family. One fan, Sara Morelli from Italy, expressed her admiration for William, Catherine, and the late Queen Elizabeth II, highlighting the enduring public fascination with the monarchy.
It is believed Andrew spent Christmas at the Royal Lodge, a stark contrast to the public festivities at Sandringham. His continued isolation from official royal events underscores the deep and lasting impact of the Epstein scandal on his position within The Firm, as the monarchy seeks to navigate a challenging period for its reputation.
