Exiled Prince Andrew kept behind closed doors at Windsor upon return

Prince Andrew made a quiet return to Windsor Castle, where he was instructed to keep a low profile amid his exile.

On Monday, June 16, the Duke of York was seen driving his car to Windsor Castle for this year’s Garter Day ceremony, GB News reported.

However, he once again did not join King Charles and Prince William for the traditional procession through the castle grounds as he was not permitted to do so for the fourth consecutive year. Instead, he reportedly took part in the more private elements of the ceremony, including the investiture and luncheon, held behind closed doors.

“He won’t participate in the procession but he has been invited to the lunch and investiture,” an insider told the Express, suggesting the move was a “compromise” to keep Andrew involved without drawing public attention.

The King and Prince William have been reportedly keen to restrict Andrew’s visibility in official royal events ever since his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were exposed.

Though he retains his title as a Garter Knight, the disgraced Duke hasn’t worn the traditional robes or joined the ceremony’s formal walk since Queen Elizabeth II’s final Garter Day in 2022.

The Garter Day ceremony has been taking place annually ever since King Edward III founded the Order of the Garter in 1348. It sees members of the royal family attend a service in St George’s Chapel in Windsor, followed by a public procession around the grounds. The senior royals then take a carriage back to the castle.