King Charles has reportedly decided that Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah, Duchess of York, will not be welcome at the Royal Family's Christmas celebrations at Sandringham. The decision follows revelations that the duchess maintained contact with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein after publicly denouncing him in 2011.
Sources close to the King indicate he prefers an 'out of sight, out of mind' approach for the Yorks at future family occasions. This comes after Andrew's long-standing association with Epstein and Fergie's resurfaced email correspondence with the disgraced financier.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told the Mirror that it is 'inconceivable' for Andrew and Sarah to appear publicly at Sandringham. She warned that if they joined privately, it could open the King to charges of hypocrisy, given the ongoing scandals.
Bond suggested the Yorks should follow last year's example, when they stayed away due to Andrew's links to an alleged Chinese spy. She called for a permanent end to their Christmas appearances with the Royal Family, noting they can celebrate with their daughters and grandchildren instead.
The exclusion follows Andrew and Fergie's public appearance at the Duchess of Kent's funeral last month, where Andrew was ignored by the Prince of Wales. Bond argued that the King should consider further action, such as stripping Andrew of his Knighthood of the Garter and role as Counsellor of State, to address the 'selfish greed' that tarnishes the monarchy.
