Prince Andrew's royal comeback was made "easier" amid Princess Kate and Prince William's absence, a royal commentator has claimed.
The Duke of York, 65, arrived at St George's Chapel, Windsor, for Easter Sunday, accompanied by his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson.
However, the Prince and Princess of Wales were notably absent, choosing instead to take their children to church 120 miles away at Sandringham's St Mary Magdalene Church.
Claire Myers-Lamptey, who attended the service, said: "It was really interesting to see Fergie walk in with the Duke of York. That is quite a bold statement."
Prince Andrew royal comeback made 'easier' amid Kate and William's absence
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Royal author Phil Dampier told the Sun it is now "only a matter of time" before Andrew is welcomed back as a working royal.
He said Charles still loves his brother, claiming: "He doesn't want him to be completely outcast. It was very much a show of family unity.
"He's not totally out in the cold, but I think it's too early to say it's any kind of comeback for him."
The commentator added: "It is absolutely true to say that William is one of the driving forces behind making sure there's no future for the Duke of York.
Prince Andrew chatting to Timothy Laurence before the service
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"He doesn't believe he can make a comeback, and there is, I'm told, quite a lot of friction between them."
Dampier suggested William's absence made Andrew's appearance easier: "It made it a lot easier, I think, for Andrew that William wasn't there."
The Duke and Duchess of York were the last to leave the service, with Fergie smiling and waving to the cameras. She was seen leaving arm in arm with Sophie.
Andrew did not respond when onlookers wished him a happy Easter. Andrew's reappearance comes just weeks after his accuser, Virginia Giuffre, claimed to be dying in Australia.
Prince Andrew photographed leaving Royal Lodge
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Virginia Giuffre posted a frightening social media message claiming she had 'four days to live'Instagram / Virginia GiuffreDampier suggested Andrew likely feels Giuffre's latest claims "slightly vindicate him". Ingrid Seward believes the timing is significant.
"I think it's no coincidence Andrew's re-emergence comes weeks after Virginia Giuffre's drama surrounding her minor car crash in Australia," she told the publication.
The royal biographer suggested this could mark a turning point for the family: "This may prove to be an indication of a more harmonious and unified Royal Family who are putting previous rifts and tensions behind them."
Despite the show of unity, Andrew's future role remains uncertain.
