Prince Andrew was seen travelling to Windsor Castle this morning as it held this year's Garter Day ceremony, despite being excluded from the public procession for the fourth consecutive year.
The Duke of York was seen wearing a shirt and tie as he headed towards the castle which was hosting the prestigious Order of the Garter event.
Whilst the disgraced royal did not participate in the traditional procession through the castle grounds, he had apparently been permitted to attend the private aspects of the ceremony.
The Duke was said to have joined other members of the order for the behind-closed-doors lunch and investiture, according to reports.
Prince Andrew was seen heading to an event at Windsor Castle (stock pic)
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Sources suggest the decision to allow Andrew to attend the private elements whilst barring him from public participation represents a compromise between both sides.
"He won't participate in the procession but he has been invited to the lunch and investiture," an insider told the Express.
They indicated that both the King and the Prince of Wales remain keen to limit the Duke's public appearances with the family.
Andrew stepped down from public life in 2022 following the controversy surrounding his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The Duke is believed to have attended private elements of the Garter Day ceremony (stock pic)
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He has not taken part in the public procession wearing the traditional Garter robes and plumed hat since 2022, the final Garter Day observed by the late Queen.
His withdrawal from public duties came after the furore surrounding his association with Epstein.
The Duke's appearances at royal events have been severely limited since then.
He was last seen at a public royal gathering during the Easter Sunday church service at St George's Chapel earlier this year.
Andrew has been a Garter Knight since 2006 (stock pic)
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The Most Noble Order of the Garter, established by King Edward III nearly 700 years ago, is the oldest British order of chivalry and the world's oldest national order of knighthood still in existence.
Andrew has been a Garter Knight since 2006.
Today's ceremony sees members dressed in white plumed hats and dark blue velvet robes for the traditional procession through the castle grounds.
Other members attending include King Charles, Queen Camilla and Prince William, alongside Knights and Ladies personally chosen by the monarch.
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The Duke of York was previously seen publicly on a ride around Windsor last week (stock pic)
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The Duke of York, who lives a short drive from Windsor Castle in the Royal Lodge, was last seen publicly last week on a horse ride.
Andrew appeared in high spirits as he rode around the grounds of Windsor on Wednesday afternoon, accompanied by Terry Pendry, the late Queen's long-standing stud groom.
He was photographed beaming with excitement whilst wearing riding gear including a helmet and gloves, paired with a khaki jacket.
Pendry, who rode with Queen Elizabeth II for 28 years and was considered one of her most trusted servants, joined the King's younger brother for the outing.
As expected, Andrew was not present for Saturday's Trooping the Colour celebrations.
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