Kate Middleton - the Princess of Wales - reportedly remained firm in her stance against the inclusion of Prince Andrew in this year’s Christmas carol service, despite efforts by King Charles III to reintegrate the Duke of York into family gatherings.
The annual carol service, hosted by Kate at Westminster Abbey, marked her return to public engagements following her cancer diagnosis earlier this year. The event was attended by 22 members of the extended royal family but noticeably did not include Prince Andrew, once again drawing attention to his strained relationship with key royals.
According to a column by Ephraim Hardcastle in the Daily Mail, the King had expressed intentions to restore some level of status for his younger brother. However, both Prince William and Kate Middleton reportedly opposed the idea.
“The King has done his best to bring Andrew back into the family fold and insists he is given due status. But William and Kate aren’t sharing the love,” wrote Hardcastle.
Quoting an insider, he added, “A mole whispers that for the second year running, suggestions that Andrew be invited to Kate’s annual carol service, possibly seated behind a pillar, were rejected.”
The decision highlights the continued hesitance within the royal family regarding Prince Andrew’s public role. The Duke of York stepped back from royal duties in 2019 following his controversial ties to Jeffrey Epstein, and the resulting fallout continues to shape his interactions within the royal fold.
Kate’s carol service, seen as a significant family occasion and a platform for celebrating community efforts, hosted multiple senior royals and figures from across the UK. However, the absence of Prince Andrew for a second consecutive year underscores the lingering divisions within the House of Windsor.
The Princess of Wales’ firm position on the matter signals her focus on maintaining the integrity of the event, which has grown in stature as a cherished royal tradition in recent years.
