Prince Edward and his wife Sophie were reportedly told to share a cottage with Prince Andrew for Christmas, before the Duke of York returned his invitation to Sandringham. The couple were said to be 'less than pleased' with the arrangement and privately relieved when Andrew decided not to attend.
Andrew is now expected to spend the holidays at Windsor with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, after she persuaded him to pull out of the royal festivities. He also skipped a pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace last Thursday, where 70 family members gathered.
Royal aides expressed relief that Andrew had 'done the decent thing' by sparing the King further embarrassment. His presence at Sandringham would have sent a 'conflicting and confusing message' amid ongoing investigations into his links with alleged Chinese spy Yang Tengbo.
The King is said to be 'very grateful' to Sarah for her role in negotiating the outcome. An insider described it as 'a very delicate situation' but an 'honourable outcome for all'.
