Prince Andrew looked somber on his weekly walk in his first public appearance since it emerged his brother King Charles is battling cancer.
The disgraced Duke of York looked dejected, seen jogging through a park wearing a navy blue jacket with the insignia of the Grenadier Guards.
He appeared to be gesticulating, accompanied by an accomplice also on horseback during his ride today.
On Monday it was revealed that Prince Andrew’s older brother had been diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer, and Buckingham Palace said King Charles would be suspending royal engagements while he receives treatment.
Royal commentators have suggested that the departure of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and the disgrace of Prince Andrew, could leave the palace struggling to find young royals to take on royal responsibilities.
Prince Harry, 39, returned from the United States this week to visit his father when news of the diagnosis broke. He was seen arriving at the royal residence on Tuesday to spend “about 45 minutes” with his father.
Prince Andrew, Duke of York, seen riding a horse for the first time since the announcement.
The disgraced Duke of York seemed dejected today on his weekly walk.
Andrew, who remains sidelined and embroiled in scandal over his alleged connection to pedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, had not been seen since news of his brother’s illness broke on Monday.
Other royals, including Princess Beatrice, were seen leaving her residence at St James’s Palace, next to her uncle’s at Clarence House, early on Tuesday morning, before returning later that same day. day.
Princess Eugenie, Andrew’s daughter, posted photos of her eldest son August on his third birthday today, two days after being spotted with Prince Harry’s ex-girlfriend Cressida Bonas in a Notting Hill pub.
And Prince Harry made a 24-hour visit to the UK to see his father on Wednesday before returning via Heathrow. It is understood that the Duke of Sussex briefly met the king and queen, but did not see his brother William or his sister-in-law Kate Middleton.
It has not been confirmed what type of cancer the King has been diagnosed with, nor what stage it is in, but it is understood that it is not prostate cancer and that it has been detected in time.
Doctors noticed something was wrong while Charles, 75, was in hospital undergoing surgery for a benign enlarged prostate, prompting a closer examination.
Buckingham Palace reported that the King had since been diagnosed with cancer, only clarifying that it was not prostate cancer.
Palace officials say this person “receives expert care” on a regular, outpatient basis, although they have not said what this entails.
As prince, Charles clashed with medical experts in 2004 when he publicly backed up the idea that cancer patients could be treated with vitamin injections and fruit juices.
For now, the palace has confirmed that the king will sit out most of his public duties, handing them over to a small staff of young royals.
It is unknown how long King Charles will be forced to suspend his public engagements, although it is believed that he will continue working on whatever tasks he can.
The King will continue to deal with his red boxes of state affairs and official documents, and hold Privy Council meetings, which can be held by video, and weekly audiences with the Prime Minister, which can take place by telephone.
The Palace has asked that the King’s privacy be respected, especially during his treatment, but said it wanted to make his diagnosis public because of his long-standing support of cancer charities.
Buckingham Palace said in a statement on Monday: “During the King’s recent hospital procedure for a benign enlarged prostate, another issue of concern was noted.” Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.’
Prince Harry is pictured arriving at Clarence House in London to meet his father.
Prince Harry was escorted to Clarence House from London Heathrow after flying from LAX
The statement continued: “Her Majesty has today commenced a program of regular treatments, during which time doctors have advised her to postpone her public duties.” Throughout this period, Her Majesty will continue to carry out State affairs and official procedures normally.
‘The King thanks his medical team for their quick intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains entirely positive about his treatment and hopes to return to full public duties as soon as possible.
“Her Majesty has decided to share her diagnosis to avoid speculation and in the hope that it can help public understanding of all those around the world affected by cancer.”