Prince William reportedly told Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles that he would pull out of the Order of the Garter ceremony if Prince Andrew was provided a public role during the event.
According to the Evening Standard, "The Duke of Cambridge was adamant. If York insisted on taking part publicly, he would withdraw."
The Duke of Cambridge's alleged request to the Queen and Charles reportedly led to the Duke of York being banned from the Windsor Castle event due to fears that he might receive backlash and the public might disapprove of his presence.
Andrew was not seen publicly during Garter Day after Charles and William reportedly questioned the Queen about his participation. Buckingham Palace said Andrew's absence from the Windsor Castle procession and service was a "family decision." According to a royal source, William may have offered an ultimatum of "him or me" ahead of the service at St George's Chapel.
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." The monarch reportedly ordered Andrew to stay out of the crowd's sight "for his own good."
Andrew's reputation has been severely damaged due to his involvement in a civil sexual assault case. However, it is said that he is planning to make a royal comeback, having asked his mother to return his patronages and His Royal Highness (HRH) title just five months after he was stripped of them.
Meanwhile, the Queen failed to take part in the procession of Garter Knights, who walked through the grounds of Windsor Castle to St George's Hall, where the annual service commemorating the Order is held. The Order of the Garter was founded by Edward III in 1348 recognizing contributions to public service.
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair was also made a Knight of the Garter and Baroness Amos, a Lady of the Garter. Royal members in the Order include Charles, William, Princess Anne, Andrew and Prince Edward.
Kate Middleton was also seen at the event; she was dressed head to toe in blue, including a pair of shining back heels, while Sophie, Countess of Wessex, sported an elegant look in a baby pink dress with a cream hat.
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