Buckingham Palace has extended an olive branch to Prince Andrew for the first time in several years.
The Duke of York has been listed in the Court Circular for the first time since stepping down from royal duties in 2019.
Prince Andrew attended a private luncheon at Windsor Castle on June 16, marking his participation in Garter Day celebrations, despite being excluded from the public procession.
The Duke was barred from the public elements of the Order of the Garter ceremony but was present at the private gathering hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Buckingham Palace extends olive branch to Prince Andrew following King's 'special agreement' with Duke.
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Whilst other senior royals participated in both the public procession and service at St George's Chapel, Prince Andrew's involvement was limited to the behind-closed-doors luncheon party for Companions of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.
The Court Circular officially confirmed Prince Andrew's attendance at the private event, listing him amongst the royal guests present.
The entry for June 16 stated: "The King and Queen gave a Luncheon Party for the Companions of the Most Noble Order of the Garter at which The Prince of Wales, The Duke of York, The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, The Princess Royal and Vice-Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and The Duke of Kent were present."
This formal acknowledgement in the Court Circular represents the Palace's official record of the Duke of York's participation in the private aspects of Garter Day.
The Court Circular mentioned the 'Duke of York' for the first time in years.
Court Circular
The arrangement has been described as a compromise between the two brothers, with a royal insider telling the Daily Express: "He won't participate in the procession but he has been invited to the lunch and investiture."
According to Marie Claire, which cited royal sources, King Charles has reached a "special agreement" with his younger brother regarding his participation in royal events.
The publication noted that "the Duke of York's inclusion in the private aspects is seen as a compromise by both sides."
This suggests a carefully negotiated balance between maintaining Prince Andrew's exclusion from public ceremonies, whilst allowing him to attend private royal gatherings.
King Charles and Queen Camilla at Order of the Garter.
PA
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