According to Dampier, Andrew is “desperate” to return to his former role. He also noted that Andrew believes the discrediting of Virginia Giuffre’s recent claims—where she allegedly said she had only days to live after a car accident—“slightly vindicates” him.

Dampier added that Prince William is playing a key role in opposing any future return for Andrew.

“He doesn’t believe he can make a comeback, and there is, I’m told, quite a lot of friction between them. It made it a lot easier, I think, for Andrew that William wasn’t there [at the Easter service],” he explained.

The royal expert also shared that while King Charles still cares deeply for his brother, he does not want Andrew to be completely exiled from royal life.

King Charles signals support with Andrew’s Easter inclusion

Royal biographer Ingrid Seward told the outlet that King Charles’ decision to allow his brother’s presence at the Easter event was a deliberate move.

“By allowing him back into the fold, Charles is sending an incredibly strong message of, ‘He’s my brother and I’m sticking by him,’” she said.

Is Prince Andrew still a royal?

Yes, Prince Andrew remains a royal and retains his title as the Duke of York. However, he is no longer a working royal and has been stripped of his honorary military titles and charitable patronages.

These decisions were made in 2022 following his out-of-court settlement with Virginia Giuffre, who had accused him of sexually assaulting her when she was 17. Andrew has consistently denied the allegations.

Though he still holds his royal title, he can no longer use the style “His Royal Highness” in public and may only do so privately. He remains eighth in the line of succession to the British throne.