While the Royal Family gathered in festive spirits for their traditional pre-Christmas lunch, the Duke of York was spotted on a solitary and rain-drenched horse ride in Windsor, presenting a starkly different image to the celebrations at the Palace.
A Solitary Figure in Soggy Windsor
Prince Andrew was seen riding alone in Windsor on Wednesday, 16th December, as heavy rain fell. The outing occurred precisely as senior members of 'The Firm' arrived at Buckingham Palace for King Charles's annual festive gathering for extended family. Andrew, who has been stripped of his military affiliations and royal patronages, did not attend the lunch.
The visual contrast was particularly striking. While the Prince and Princess of Wales arrived with their children, and Andrew's own daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, were photographed beaming as they entered the Palace, the Duke cut a forlorn figure. Body language expert Judi James analysed the scene, noting the Duke appeared solemn and gloomy, with rain running off the peak of his riding hat.
The Festive Gathering at the Palace
Meanwhile, at Buckingham Palace, the mood was one of celebration. The event, which usually takes place about a week before Christmas Day, is a longstanding tradition where the monarch hosts around 70 relatives. It offers a chance for the wider family to reconnect before they disperse for Christmas, with not all invited to Sandringham for the main festivities on the 25th.
William and Kate, alongside Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, were seen driving through the Palace gates, marking a return to the tradition after missing it last year. The gathering featured what Judi James described as "beaming, glowing and shiny-with-Christmas-excitement faces," a world away from the imagery in Windsor.
Imminent Move from Royal Lodge
The lonely ride comes at a significant time for the Duke. He is currently in his final weeks residing at the 30-room Royal Lodge in Windsor. In the New Year, he is scheduled to move to a much smaller property on the King's Sandringham estate as part of a forced downsizing.
Reports suggest that some of his belongings are already being moved into storage ahead of the transition. This move, coupled with his absence from official royal events, underscores his continued removal from the frontline of royal life.
The juxtaposition of the two scenes—a vibrant family party at the heart of the monarchy and a solitary, rain-soaked figure on horseback—powerfully illustrates the Duke of York's current status within the Royal Family.
