On Tuesday, a memorial service for the late former King Constantine of Greece was held at St George's Chapel in Windsor. Prince Andrew's presence at the service, particularly in a prominent position, sparked renewed discussion surrounding his recent controversies.
Front and Center:
While his attendance wasn't surprising, Prince Andrew's presence alongside ex-wife Sarah Ferguson leading the Royal Family into the chapel raised eyebrows. He also sat prominently near the front of the service, just a few seats away from the Queen.
Invitation by the Greek Royals:
According to Royal Correspondent Cameron Walker, the invitation to Prince Andrew originated from the former Greek Royal Family, not the British Royal Family. He emphasized that the event was a private Thanksgiving service, not an official state occasion. Prince Andrew was technically allowed to attend as a private family member despite not being a working royal.
A Question of Awareness and Comfort:
While acknowledging that the Royal Family likely knew of his attendance, Walker questioned whether Prince Andrew's presence would have been tolerated had King Charles and Prince William been present. He suggested their absence may have limited their influence over the guest list for this private event.
Other Attendees and William's Absence:
Other members of the Royal Family present included Queen Camilla, Princess Anne, Princess Beatrice, and Zara Tindall. Notably, Prince William, who was initially scheduled to give a reading, pulled out at the last minute, citing personal reasons.
This revised version provides a factual overview of the event while acknowledging the controversial nature of Prince Andrew's presence and the surrounding context. It avoids unnecessary commentary and maintains a neutral tone.
