A royal expert is claiming Prince Andrew was "crushed and confused" when he was banned from Garter Day.
The Duke of York had thought he'd been given the go-ahead to be there, according to Finding Freedom author Omid Scobie.
He also reckons the royals’ “reluctance to completely remove Prince Andrew” is damaging and “reflects terribly on the family”.
Andrew had to stay out of the public eye during the Garter Day procession after a "family decision" was taken to limit his appearance to a behind-the-scenes lunch and an investiture ceremony.
He was behind closed doors while the Prince of Wales, Duke of Cambridge and other senior members went through the grounds of Windsor Castle for a church service commemorating the Order of the Garter.
He thought he'd be taking part in the procession until his mum, the Queen, told him otherwise.
The monarch had listened to Charles and William and delivered the bad news to Andrew in a last ditch attempt to stop him attending, said a Telegraph source.
And now Mr Scobie has revealed that Andrew was upset by the news.
He claimed, in his Yahoo News column, that the Duke of York was “crushed… (and) a little confused.”
However he said the royals are reluctant to cut him off completely, as was demonstrated by the decision to allow him to walk with the Queen at Prince Philip's memorial service, as well as to attend some of the Jubilee events.
Mr Scobie said: “Every chance Prince Andrew is given to try and rehabilitate his image is a step closer to further damage and shame for the institution of the monarchy. It’s a disaster waiting to happen.”
The family now faces the issue of what formal role Andrew can play now since his reputation was severely tarnished by his involvement in a civil sexual assault case.
Around 4,500 spectators within the castle walls watched the colourful procession of Garter Knight and Ladies dressed in blue velvet mantles, red velvet hoods, black velvet hats and white ostrich plumes.
The Order of the Garter was founded by Edward III in 1348 recognising contributions to public service.
Members of the Order include the Queen, several senior royals and 24 other Knights or Ladies, who are personally chosen by the monarch for recognition of their work.
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