Prince Andrew, the son of Queen Elizabeth II, along with her grandson Harry and his wife Meghan Markle, will not be present on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the military display that will kick off the celebrations for the queen's 70th anniversary on the throne at the beginning of next month. The 96-year-old queen has decided to limit the attendance to members of the royal family who are officially representing her following a military display organized to celebrate her birthday.
A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace stated on Friday that the people appearing alongside the queen on the balcony on June 2 will only be "members of the royal family who undertake official duties on her behalf." The decision was made "after careful consideration." Speculation had suggested that the three individuals could attend the event, which spans four days of platinum jubilee celebrations, including tea parties, a pop music concert, and an event organized for the public in central London.
In March, Prince Andrew (62 years old) made his first public appearance since settling a lawsuit brought against him by an American woman who accused him of sexual assault, following public outrage over his friendship with financier Jeffrey Epstein, who has been accused of several sexual assaults. Queen Elizabeth attended a memorial service for her late husband, Prince Philip, alongside former Royal Navy helicopter pilot Andrew, looking fatigued and having difficulty walking and standing.
His prominent role in the memorial service held at Westminster Abbey, broadcast by television channels, was interpreted as a sign that his mother believes he still has a role in family occasions. His media-focused appearance sparked widespread controversy, and the queen's announcement of his absence from the "Trooping the Colour" military display may be seen as a sign that the palace is reluctant to have him accompany the family at official events again.
Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, has denied the American woman's allegations of sexual assault, and he remains stripped of his honorary military titles and his role in charitable organizations, preventing him from any official royal duties.
