Why Prince Andrew Joined Brother King Charles on Easter Despite No Longer Being a Working Royal

Why Prince Andrew Joined Brother King Charles on Easter Despite No Longer Being a Working Royal

The Duke of York’s ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, and two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, also attended the holiday outing

Britain's Prince Andrew, Duke of York leaves after attending the Easter Matins service at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, in Windsor on April 20, 2025
Prince Andrew attends Easter with the royal family on April 20, 2025. Photo: KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH/POOL/AFP via Getty

Despite “stepping back” from royal duties in 2019 amid backlash surrounding his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, Prince Andrew joined his brother King Charles and members of the royal family for their Easter church outing on April 20.

The Duke of York, 65, arrived at the mass in a car with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, as well as sister Princess Anne and her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence. His two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, also joined the holiday outing with their husbands.

Prince Andrew stepped back from his public duties in 2019 following his bombshell interview with the BBC about his ties to Epstein. He was stripped of his military titles and patronages by his mother, Queen Elizabeth, in January 2022 after attempting to have Virginia Giuffre’s sexual assault lawsuit against him dismissed.

The Duke of York has denied any wrongdoing and settled with Giuffre out of court for an undisclosed amount in February 2022.

WINDSOR, ENGLAND - APRIL 20: Prince Andrew, Duke of York attends the Easter service at St George's Chapel on April 20, 2025 in Windsor, England.
Prince Andrew attends Easter with the royal family on April 20, 2025. Samir Hussein/WireImage

While Prince Andrew no longer undertakes duties on behalf of the monarchy, he has continued to join the royals at family events such as their annual Christmas church walk or funeral services. Easter is considered a family event, and he also attended last year.

However, Queen Elizabeth’s second son did not publicly attend Christmas events with the royal family in 2024 amid backlash around his suspected connection to an alleged Chinese “spy.” He skipped the traditional Christmas luncheon on Dec. 19 as well as their church outing on Christmas Day.

WINDSOR, ENGLAND - APRIL 20: Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York attends the Easter Service at St George's Chapel on April 20, 2025 in Windsor, England.
Sarah Ferguson attends Easter with the royal family on April 20, 2025.Samir Hussein/WireImage

Buckingham Palace released a rare statement regarding Prince Andrew earlier this month, clarifying private meetings between Andrew, Andrew’s former aide Dominic Hampshire and King Charles. Testimony by Hampshire alleged the brothers discussed the Eurasia Fund, a project of Prince Andrew’s that aimed at linking Chinese funding with renewable energy projects in Africa that came under scrutiny for ties to an alleged Chinese spy. Yang Tengbo was said to be a close confidant of Andrew’s before being barred from entering the U.K. in December 2024 over concerns of national security.

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