Duke of York Backs Out of Buckingham Palace Christmas Lunch
Prince Andrew has opted not to attend Buckingham Palace’s pre-Christmas lunch after consulting with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson. The decision comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding Andrew’s alleged connections to a spy scandal, offering a reprieve for King Charles III during the festive season.
The annual gathering, expected to host 70 members of the royal family, will take place tomorrow. While Andrew initially insisted on his right to attend—reportedly telling friends, “I should be there”—he ultimately agreed to stay away following Sarah’s counsel.
Earlier this week, it was also announced that Andrew and Sarah would skip the traditional Christmas celebrations at Sandringham. Instead, the pair, who continue to live together at the Royal Lodge despite their 1996 divorce, will spend December 25 at their Windsor estate home.
Andrew’s absence from these high-profile royal events marks a significant shift from past traditions and is seen as a step toward minimising further embarrassment for the monarchy during a period of heightened scrutiny.
While the Duke’s decision has alleviated tensions ahead of the royal festivities, it underscores the ongoing challenges he faces in navigating his role within the family.
