Shamed Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is feeling "more isolated than ever" and will be reminded of all he has lost amid a major royal event today, it has been claimed.
Royal Family Gathers for Order of the Garter
Later today, the Royal Family will be out in force for the annual Order of the Garter ceremony at Windsor Castle. The event will see the likes of the King, Queen, and Prince William process through the castle grounds in white plumed hats and dark blue velvet robes before attending a special service at St George's Chapel.
The former Duke of York had been a member of the order and had previously joined in the procession and festivities. In recent years, after he was forced to quit public life, he still quietly attended the pre-ceremony lunch for Garter Knights and Ladies and the investiture, which takes place behind closed doors.
Andrew Excluded From All Parts of the Day
However, today, he will not join in with any part of the day, having been stripped of his membership of the Order at the same time the King took away all his other royal titles amid the growing controversy over his links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
A source told the Daily Express that on days such as these, it hammers home how far the ex-prince has fallen. The source said: "He's become used to watching his family celebrate Trooping without him, but Garter Day will be a really tough day for him. It's one of those days that reminds him of all that he's lost. He's feeling more isolated than ever; he's completely alone."
Recent Sightings and Security Scare
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor, who was arrested earlier this year on suspicion of misconduct in a public office, was last spotted at the weekend, just hours before the King's official birthday parade - Trooping the Colour - took place in London.
The former Duke of York was spotted near his new home on the Sandringham estate driving his car, with a huge bruise on his cheek showing signs of it beginning to heal. The ex-prince had been snapped just a week ago, driving his car near his house with a huge red mark stretching down from his eye across his right cheek and around his mouth.
This had sparked speculation as to what could have caused such a bruise, but sources close to the prince reportedly said it was due to a "non-serious medical condition."
That appearance two weeks ago was the first time he had been seen in public in weeks following a security scare while he was out walking his dogs near his home last month. It also came just a day before it emerged that he was able to rake in cash by sub-letting three cottages in the grounds of Royal Lodge - despite paying just a peppercorn rent for his former home.
The Order of the Garter
The Order of the Garter is the oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry in Britain, established by King Edward III nearly 700 years ago. The Order includes the King, who is Sovereign of the Garter, the Queen, several members of the Royal Family, and up to 24 companions chosen in recognition of their work.
Companions of the Garter are chosen personally by the Sovereign to honour those who have held public office, who have contributed in a particular way to national life, or who have served the monarch personally.
