Fresh out of his muted dismay at being forced into a tiny five-bedroom house comes the revelation that Prince Andrew is ‘furious’ at his brother’s decision to ‘disrespect’ him by banning him from wearing the flowing ceremonial velvet robes of the Knightly Order of the Garter at Coronation.
The patch row, reported by The mirror, recalls the confrontation between Andrew and the royal family at Prince Philip’s funeral, when Andrew sought to wear his vice-admiral’s uniform, apparently even going so far as to get a new one made by his London tailor. He remains Vice-Admiral due to his service in the Royal Navy.
Andrew was stripped of his royal roles as the Virginia Giuffre affair unfolded, but retained certain military associations and thus, strictly speaking, has the right to wear military uniform at official events.
However, the royal family, especially Charles, did not want him to do so at all. At Philip’s funeral, the Queen finally stepped in and ordered all royal men to wear tail coated morning suits for the ceremony.
At the Queen’s funeral, Andrew also wore a black suit, while his siblings all wore military uniforms.
Lucky Prince Andrew won’t actually be made homeless by King Charles
The latest dispute concerns his position as a member of the Order of the Garter, an elite club of only 24 members, based on chivalrous principles, appointed by the monarch. It includes former prime ministers, members of the royal family and other personalities.
Andrew, who paid a settlement to Giuffre but denied remembering ever meeting her, was not kicked out of the order by his mother. However, the royal family has sought not to highlight his continued membership. His attendance at Garter events has been problematic since last year he was removed from a public procession of members at the last minute.
Members of the Garter may wear extravagant headgear trimmed with ostrich feathers, ermine collars, and flowing velvet trouser dresses on so-called “collar days”—significant dates in the royal calendar ( whose crowning glory is, of course, one).
NOW, The mirror said, Charles considers telling Andrew to just wear a dark suit on his big day.
Their source said he was “left completely in the dark” about his role and the required attire.
The royal insider said: “Andrew is furious. He already does not play any role and now he feels that he is being disrespected and being told something to which he is fully entitled (to wear).
Charles reportedly chose not to wear traditional silk stockings and breeches at his coronation, and will instead wear a military uniform.
The mirror said Buckingham Palace had no comment.
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