Prince Andrew has been pictured looking dissatisfied as he embarks on a solo horse ride the night before the Trooping the Color ceremony.
The disgraced duke, who stepped back from senior royal duties amid the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, was seen wearing a pale brown jacket over a crimson red shirt with gloves and a riding helmet.
The 64-year-old will not appear on Buckingham Palace’s iconic balcony alongside other members of the Royal Family tomorrow.
But Andrew is believed to have helped prepare his brother, Prince Edward, for his debut as a colonel in the Scots Guards by offering riding lessons in the ring at Windsor Castle.
In a departure from tradition, his older brother King Charles III will appear in Trooping the Color in a carriage rather than on horseback as he bravely continues his fight against cancer.
Prince Andrew pictured looking dissatisfied as he embarks on a solo horse ride the night before the Trooping the Color ceremony.
Prince Andrew, 64, will not appear on the iconic Buckingham Palace balcony tomorrow
The Duke of York drives his car into Windsor Castle on the eve of Trooping the Color
Prince Andrew, who was briefly colonel of the Grenadiers, attended only two Troopings in 2018 and 2019.
After serving as a helicopter pilot and instructor during the Falklands War, the sailor had to undergo intensive preparation for his time in the saddle.
But Andrew found himself on the fringes of the Royal Family following damning allegations over his relationship with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Although he has vehemently and repeatedly denied all allegations against him, King Charles has kept the prince at arm’s length ever since.
Other notable omissions from tomorrow’s ceremony include Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who were reportedly not invited for the second year in a row.
This year’s Trooping the Color will be the first major royal event King Charles will attend since returning to public duties amid his battle with cancer.
It is understood doctors advised the monarch, 75, to inspect soldiers from a carriage rather than on horseback.
While Charles is personally interested in riding his horse, Noble, a black mare gifted to him by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, concerns have been raised about how strenuous this could be as he continues his cancer treatment.
Briefly a colonel in the Grenadiers, Andrew took part in just two Troopings (pictured in 2019) but had to undergo intensive training for his time in the saddle – a shock for a naval man.
King Charles leaves Buckingham Palace to take part in Trooping the Color in 2023
It is understood doctors advised the monarch, 75, to inspect soldiers from a carriage rather than on horseback.
Glorious scenes in the shopping center during Trooping the Color in London on June 17, 2023
Trooping the Color took place at Windsor Castle in front of the Queen on June 12, 2021.
Queen Elizabeth herself attended the event in a carriage after 1987.
Prince William will join his father at the traditional event that dates back to the 17th century.
And there is speculation that Catherine, Princess of Wales, will join other members of the Royal Family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch the RAF flight.
The Princess apologized for missing a key rehearsal last weekend and wrote in a letter to the Irish Guards: “I look forward to representing you all very soon.”
Rebecca English, royal editor of the Daily Mail, suggested to this week’s Palace Confidential that an appearance by Kate should not be completely ruled out amid “persistent rumours” that she could appear on the balcony.
“What’s very interesting is that when I asked Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace about this this week, they didn’t say a word,” the royal expert said.
She continued: ‘I mean, look, she’s there. Fantastic. People will be delighted to see it. If she isn’t, don’t read anything to her because she never said she would be. “I think it will be an advantage.”
Catherine, Princess of Wales (centre) is speculated to join other members of the Royal Family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch the RAF flyby as she is depicted in 2023.
The Princess of Wales wrote a letter to the Irish Guards saying: “I look forward to representing you all very soon.”
Last year, young Prince Louis stole the show as he cheekily waved to the adoring crowd on the balcony.
He was also seen throwing his fists in the air and pouting as his mother Kate looked on with pride and amusement.
Royal fans have expressed their excitement for tomorrow’s event and hope to see Kate “if she’s up for it.”
