Breaking News: Royal Family ‘relieved’ as ‘embarrassing’ Andrew banished from…

Breaking News: Royal Family ‘relieved’ as ‘embarrassing’ Andrew banished from Royal Christmas

The Royal Family are said to be “relieved” that disgraced Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor won’t be spending Christmas with them in Sandringham this year. The former Duke of York, who has lost his titles and honours following a dramatic decision by his brother, the King, will be absent from the annual Christmas service at St Mary Magdalene Church and the rest of the royal festivities in Sandringham.

His former wife, Sarah Ferguson, will follow suit. The pair’s royal banishment came after various bombshells regarding their links to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Now, a royal expert claimed the royals are relieved Andrew won’t be in Sandringham this year and described him as an “embarrassment” for the Firm.

Royal commentator Jennie Bond told the Mirror: “I think it’s obvious that Andrew‘s relationship with the rest of the Royal Family is, to say the least, extremely strained.

“You only have to look at the pictures of him trying to cosy up to William at the Duchess of Kent’s funeral to understand just how awkward things are. William virtually blanked him.

“I think the rest of the Royal Family will be mightily relieved that he won’t be there.

While it’s not the first year that Andrew will be absent from Sandringham – he missed last year’s gathering due to a scandal involving an alleged Chinese spy – Ms Bond said it is the “most obvious sign” yet that the disgraced former prince is ostracised by the royals.

She explained: “It is, though, the most obvious and public sign that he is ostracised and an embarrassment to the family. And that must feel pretty unpleasant. It looks set to be rather a miserable time for the disgraced Mountbatten-Windsor.”

Andrew is currently still living at Royal Lodge, his home in Windsor he shares with Fergie, as she is otherwise known, since 2008.

However, the pair are both set to get the boot sometime in the new year, after the former duke agreed to leave despite having a 75-year lease, following the furore.

Ms Bond added: “Royal Lodge is said to be in quite a state, and many of his possessions have already been removed. The status of his relationship with his ex-wife, Sarah, is also up for debate.

They once seemed almost inseparable, even though they were divorced. But it looks as if the strain of the Epstein scandal may have caused them to rethink their future together.

“Christmas has a habit of heightening emotions and exacerbating family divisions – even though it’s meant to be a season of goodwill. One thing is for sure: this is the last time Andrew will spend Christmas at Royal Lodge, if that’s where he chooses to stay.

“t has been his family home for more than 20 years and I’m sure he has many happy memories of family celebrations there. And that is bound to make him feel rather sad – and probably resentful.