Prince William the 'only one' standing in the way of Prince Andrew's royal return

Prince Andrew’s royal comeback may be brewing but not everyone in the Firm is on board.

The Duke of York made a surprise appearance at the royal family’s Easter Sunday service at St George's Chapel in Windsor, stepping out for the first time in months following a string of scandals that saw him sidelined from public life.

While Andrew, 65, was joined by ex-wife Sarah Ferguson and daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, his presence has sparked speculation that a royal return could be in the works.

According to royal expert Phil Dampier, Andrew’s attendance may signal a slow but steady attempt to re-enter public royal life — and it’s not as far-fetched as it sounds.

“It was very much a show of family unity,” Dampier told The Sun. “He’s not totally out in the cold.”

“It is absolutely true to say that William is one of the driving forces behind making sure there’s no future for the Duke of York,” Dampier revealed. “There’s quite a bit of friction between them. I’m told it was actually easier for Andrew that William wasn’t there.”

Andrew was said to look nervous upon arrival, reportedly avoiding eye contact with cameras and skipping any public meet-and-greets after the service, instead heading directly back to Windsor Castle. 

But insiders believe he joined the private Easter lunch hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla afterward.

What is the reason behind Prince Andrew's deteriorating public image?

Andrew’s public image was critically damaged following his infamous 2019 BBC Newsnight interview, in which he attempted to defend his relationship with Epstein.

The backlash from that appearance ultimately led to his royal downfall, with the Queen removing him from official duties and forcing him into a private life largely out of the spotlight.

Now living at Royal Lodge with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, Andrew reportedly leads a secluded life. While his daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie visit regularly, he remains largely isolated from public engagements.

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