The royal watchers couldn't believe their eyes when they saw Prince Andrew walking right behind King Charles III at the royal family's Easter outing over the weekend.
Considering the Duke of York has stepped back from his royal duties due to his connection with the sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the alleged sex abuse scandal with Virginia Giuffre, many expect him to keep out from the public eye.
But with his latest outing, does it mean Prince Andrew is planning to return to his public life?
An Alleged Plan to Return to Public Life
The late Queen Elizabeth II's alleged favorite son was rarely seen with the royal family when he lost his title and public role after paying a multi-million-dollar settlement to Giuffre.
However, he was still invited to join the royals during the Easter Sunday service at St. George's Chapel in Windsor. He walked behind his older brother and the latter's wife, Camilla, Queen Consort, and behind his sister, Princess Anne.
It's strongly believed that the monarch and his son, Prince William, advised Queen Elizabeth to strip off Prince Andrew's titles in 2021.
Hence, a veteran royal watcher told Page Six, "I was surprised to see Andrew right behind Charles, particularly next to Anne. They are not usually that close."
The outing quickly sparked speculations that Sarah Ferguson's ex-husband was eyeing to return to public life. But an insider promptly shut down this claim, stressing his appearance had to do with the royal family's celebration of an important event.
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"There's a strict delineation between family events like [holidays] and anything official, and it would have been awkward for Charles not to invite Andrew when his two girls, Beatrice and Eugenie, were there with their partners," the tipster explained. "But there's no way back into public life for Andrew."
Prince Andrew's New Life
Prince Andrew is no longer a senior working royal, so there's no way that he can make a balcony appearance at Buckingham Palace. However, he will still be invited to King Charles' coronation on May 6 at Windsor Castle.
"That's purely for working royals," the source added.
Despite having a front-row seat at Queen Elizabeth's funeral in September 2022, it remains to be seen where he will be placed at the coronation ceremony.
"Andrew will be fine," the insider assured.
Rumors have it that Prince Andrew will write a tell-all book like his nephew Prince Harry's Spare, but another source told Page Six it's "highly unlikely."
"The way forward for Andrew is a life in service behind the scenes," the tipster stated.
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