Disgraced Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been spotted just hours before the King's official birthday parade, with his mysterious bruise continuing to linger. The former Duke of York was seen near his new home on the Sandringham estate driving his car, the huge bruise on his cheek showing signs of healing. The ex-prince had been photographed just a week ago driving his car near his residence with a large red mark stretching down from his eye across his right cheek and around his mouth.
Speculation Over the Bruise
The appearance sparked speculation about the cause of the bruise, but sources close to the prince reportedly said it was due to a non-serious medical condition. Last week's sighting was the first time he had been seen in public in weeks, following a security scare while walking his dogs near his home last month. It also came just a day before it emerged that he was able to generate income by sub-letting three cottages on the grounds of Royal Lodge, despite paying only a peppercorn rent for his former home.
Timing with Trooping the Colour
Andrew's sighting occurred just hours before his brother, King Charles, celebrated his official birthday with the annual Trooping the Colour event. The celebration kicked off with a spectacular carriage procession down the Mall. The royal family joined thousands of spectators in Whitehall for the event, which brought together the three services to mark the King's official birthday.
Crowds enjoyed the sight of a royal carriage procession along The Mall featuring the King, Queen, Kate, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. The young royals waved to crowds lining the route with their mother, the Princess of Wales. Kate, Colonel of the Irish Guards, wore a blue outfit by Catherine Walker, paired with a hat by Philip Treacy and the Irish Guards brooch.
Riding in the formation were the royal colonels, including William as Colonel of the Welsh Guards, Princess Anne as Colonel of the Blues and Royals, and Prince Edward as Colonel of the Scots Guards. Guardsmen in scarlet tunics and bearskin caps delivered a display of precision marching on Horse Guards Parade, honed over weeks of practice. The national celebration is a highlight of the royal calendar, later featuring the royal family assembled on Buckingham Palace's balcony for the traditional fly-past of RAF aircraft.
