‘Big show of family unity’ after disgraced Prince Andrew returns to royal fold alongside Wills and Kate
SHAMED Prince Andrew stepped back into the royal spotlight as he travelled to church with Prince William and Kate.
The telling show of family unity came after the King welcomed the Duke of York back to Balmoral, the royals’ Scottish estate.
Andrew, 63, has been an outcast since paying millions to settle a civil sex assault case last year.
The Royal Family’s public show of support for Prince Andrew was what the late Queen would have wanted, experts said.
The Duke of York received The Firm’s backing with an invitation to spend time at Balmoral.
And yesterday the Duke travelled to and from church with the Prince and Princess of Wales.
He was in the front of a Land Rover Defender driven by Prince William with Kate in the back.
Andrew and Kate swapped seats for the return trip.
Royal expert Ingrid Seward said: “Andrew’s public life is over but his family are showing he’s still part of The Firm and supporting him emotionally.
“They knew he would be photographed with William and Kate and were sending out a clear signal.
“It’s what The Queen would have expected and represents a big show of family unity.”
The move comes as the first anniversary of the late monarch’s death approaches.
Andrew — Queen Elizabeth’s “favourite” — appeared to have been sidelined since she died last September — months after he was stripped of his military titles over a sex scandal.
He has been an outcast since paying millions to settle a civil sex assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre.
But in a clear thaw in relations, Charles and William appear to have accepted they have a duty to support him.
The King put him front and centre after inviting family members — except Harry and Meghan — to the Scottish estate.
Royal author Phil Dampier said: “William has very much supported his father in making sure Andrew knows where he stands — but he is still his uncle and this shows they are on good terms.”
Charles and Queen Camilla led the large family group to the traditional Sunday service.
In another major sign of royal reconciliation, Lady Susan Hussey — the late Queen’s lady-in-waiting and one of her closest friends — was in the group.
Lady Susan, 84, apologised and resigned last year after causing a race row when she repeatedly asked a black British charity boss where she was “really” from.
Palace officials had called the remarks by Prince William’s godmother “unacceptable and deeply regrettable”.
Charles and Camilla are staying at Balmoral Castle for three weeks.
Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, are at Craigowan Lodge on the estate with their children and grandkids.
A castle insider said: “It’s not a snub to be staying at the lodge rather than the main house. It’s delightful.
“The King and Andrew are on much better terms.”