The ashamed Prince Andrew was spotted again today carrying out his seemingly regular double daily business of riding a horse and driving his Range Rover.
The disgraced Duke, 63, was frequently seen practicing the two transport-related hobbies after his disgrace.
But this week they seemed to take on a different complexion, given his surprise performance at Balmoral.
Today Andrew – who is said to have paid Jeffrey Epstein sex abuse victim Virginia Roberts £12million to settle a case she brought against him out of court, allegations he has vigorously denied – seemed relaxed in the saddle of his horse.
Normally his riding and driving activities take place in Windsor, but today it takes place in the Scottish royal residence.
Desperate to protect his eyes from the sun, Andrew paired his riding helmet with mirrored sunglasses as he trotted along with other riders.
He later resumed driving and was spotted driving a dark green Range Rover.
This comes after his appearanceThe meeting with William and Kate as the family walked to church in Balmoral was seen as a ‘public declaration of unity’.
Andrew paired his riding helmet with mirrored sunglasses as he trotted across the grass.
Driving ambition: Prince Andrew felt at home driving his trusty Range Rover
Andrew took center stage on his magnificent horse as he put his struggles aside
Sitting next to Prince William as he walked to church last week, Andrew looked well and truly back in the royal fold.
He was led to the church by the future king, whose wife Catherine sat in the back seat.
They joined other family members at the church as the Royal Family spent their first summer holiday at the estate since the Queen’s death a year ago.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told MailOnline that the photographs of Prince Andrew traveling to church with Wales were ‘clearly meant to send a message of family unity’.
But he insisted it was not a sign that Andrew might return to public office in any form.
“It is a sad moment for the Royal Family on their usual break at Balmoral. They and the nation will soon be commemorating the first anniversary of the Queen’s death,” Mr Fitzwilliams said.
Prince Andrew’s appearance in a car with William and Kate as the family drove to church in Balmoral was a “public statement of unity”, a royal expert has said.
Andrew was invited on the summer trip by the king, who is said to have given the olive branch to his brother so the whole family could be together at Balmoral.
“We know how close Andrew was to the late Queen. His appearance at the Duke of Edinburgh’s memorial service in March 2022, where he supported her physically while she gave him emotional and financial support, sparked a stir. many controversies.
“It has been reported that his allowance has been reduced. There were rumors that his tenure at the Royal Lodge in Windsor, where he resides, was in jeopardy.
“He would also try to regain the police protection he lost when he stepped down from his royal duties.”
But Mr Fitzwilliams added: ‘It is important to stress that there is no possibility, as King Charles and Prince William have always understood, of him returning to public office in any form. .”
“A look at his non-existent approval ratings in the polls shows very clearly the public’s state of mind on this issue.
“However, the focus is on harmony on a personal level and it is clear that he and his immediate family, who are also at Balmoral, will greatly appreciate it, especially as the photographs we see today are a very public statement of unity.”
William was driving a Land Rover Defender with his uncle in the front seat on the way to church and his wife, the Princess of Wales, sitting behind. Passengers swapped seats after the service.
Andrew was invited on the summer trip by the king, who is said to have given the olive branch to his brother so that the whole family could be reunited at Balmoral.
William was driving a Land Rover Defender with his uncle in the front seat on the way to church and his wife, the Princess of Wales, sitting behind.
Prince William drove Catherine, Princess of Wales from church yesterday morning – passengers swapped seats after the service
King Charles and Queen Camilla were among the group, having spent their summer holidays in the Scottish Estate.
Prince Edward was seen driving a car with his wife Sophie, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence and Princess Anne to the church.
The prince lost his official duties and his place in public life following the Jeffrey Epstein sex scandal.
A Newsnight interview about a November 2019 car crash was followed by a lawsuit in which Epstein’s former teenage victim Virginia Roberts sued the Duke over his allegations he had sex with her while she was under the control of the pedophile financier.
When Andrew vowed to fight the case last January, vehemently denying the allegations as he always has, he was told to stop using the title of His Royal Highness, and all military titles and Royal patronages were returned to the late Queen following requests from Charles and William.
A few months later, he settled with Ms Roberts out of court for £12million without any admission of wrongdoing.
He believes that a return to public life is possible.
