A royal expert has claimed Prince Andrew is "pushing himself" onto the Queen.
Tina Brown, royal author, appeared on ITV's Lorraine this morning where she discussed the royal family, particularly the Duke of York and his alleged lobbying of the Queen to reinstate him as Colonel of the Grenadier Guards.
It is also believed he is keen to have his HRH title restored too and whilst Prince Andrew won't appear publicly during today's Garter Day service in Windsor, Buckingham Palace has confirmed that he will be in attendance at a private lunch and ceremony investing new members of the Order of the Garter.
Speaking on the ITV morning show, she said: "What it does tell us is that he's really frankly pushing himself onto the Queen when she's frailer now. She's unwell, she doesn't want to fight with her kids. I mean, she really doesn't.
"He's clearly getting her to say yes about coming and being very insensitive about that because it's not the right optics for her at the end of her life to be appearing with him."
The monarch has been suffering with some ill health as of late, and as a result, she will also not be taking part in the procession of the Garter Knights, who walk through the grounds of Windsor Castle to St George’s Hall where the service takes place.
Buckingham Palace also confirmed Prince Andrew wouldn't be walking in the procession, adding: "A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “The Duke of York will attend the investiture and lunch today but will not be part of the procession or service."
Andrew stepped away from public life after the furore over his friendship with paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein. He has also paid millions to settle a civil sexual assault case to a woman he claimed never to have met. Andrew has always denied the claims.
"The colonelcy of the Grenadier Guards was his most coveted title and he wants it back. Having remained a Counsellor of State, he also believes he should be included at royal and state events," a source told The Telegraph, "Most importantly for him is his status as an HRH and ‘Prince of the Blood’ and he feels that should be reinstated and his position recognised and respected."
Prince Andrew has also reportedly asked the Queen to restore his HRH status as a "blood prince".
