Andrew Windsor has encountered another major setback, as royal insiders report his exclusion from this year’s Order of the Garter events, further indicating that his role in royal life is diminishing.
According to RadarOnline.com, the 66-year-old sibling of King Charles, 77, was once a key figure in significant royal events, often seen with his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, during important ceremonial gatherings.
This year, however, Andrew’s absence from all aspects of Garter Day at Windsor Castle on June 15, has been interpreted as a sign of his ongoing separation from royal public duties.
Though he has avoided the public side of the event in recent years, he used to participate in some private aspects, which is no longer the case.
A source noted, “Garter Day was a major part of Andrew’s royal calendar, symbolizing his involvement in the monarchy’s core traditions.
“It served as a reminder of his status as a senior Royal Family member, even after stepping back from public roles. His exclusion from every part of the event this year highlights his significant fall from his former status.
“There is a growing sentiment among royal insiders that the institution has moved on from him. Each year and every major event occurring without his participation makes a return seem increasingly unlikely.
“The consensus is that the monarchy has adjusted to functioning without Andrew and has little inclination to revisit past arrangements.”
Andrew lost his Order of the Garter honor last October due to his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The Order of the Garter, established by King Edward III in 1348, is Britain’s oldest and most prestigious order of chivalry.
Annually, members gather at Windsor Castle for a procession and religious service, characterized by ceremonial attire, including the order’s notable robes and feathered hats.
The order’s membership comprises the monarch, acting as Sovereign of the Garter, senior Royal Family members, and a select number of knights personally chosen by the King for their public service or contributions to national life.
For many years, Andrew was a well-known presence at the event and was considered one of the most prominent royal household members.
Even after withdrawing from public duties and losing the use of his HRH title officially, his attendance still held symbolic importance.
A royal source explained, “Being excluded from Garter Day is especially painful for Andrew because it was more than a routine royal appearance. It reinforced his connection to the monarchy’s traditions, hierarchy, and his role within it.
“For years, he attended these events as a senior royal, surrounded by family, playing a visible part in the proceedings. Now, his total absence serves as a stark reminder of his dramatically changed circumstances. Those close to the situation say it forces him to confront that the position he once held no longer exists.”
Observing other family members participate in ceremonies that were once familiar is reportedly becoming increasingly difficult for him, emphasizing his distance from the core of royal affairs.
This situation has sparked further speculation about Andrew’s future role within the monarchy and whether there remains any path back to public royal life.
A palace observer bluntly put it: “In two words – he’s finished.”
