The Princess of Wales reportedly declined a "suggestion" to invite the disgraced Duke of York to her annual carols service this year according to recent reports.
It's been reported that Kate firmly "rejected" the idea of inviting Prince Andrew to her high-profile Together at Christmas carol concert earlier this month.
The popular event, hosted by Kate for the fourth time, saw several Royal Family members in attendance, including Zara Tindall, Princess Beatrice, and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, as well as Prince William and their three children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six.
However, according to the Daily Mail, the Duke of York, who has faced public backlash due to his connections with Jeffrey Epstein and his relationship with an alleged Chinese spy, was intentionally left off the guest list.
"The King has done his best to bring Andrew back into the family fold and insists he is given due status," it was claimed in the publication's Ephraim Hardcastle column. "But William and Kate aren't sharing the love. A mole whispers that for the second year running, suggestions that Andrew be invited to Kate's annual carol service, possibly seated behind a pillar, were rejected."
"Although very much a family affair, with 22 members of the extended tribe present, there was no space for Uncle Andy."
Andrew stepped back from public duties after reaching a settlement with Virginia Roberts-Giuffre, one of Epstein's victims, in early 2022. He has consistently denied any accusations.
The Duke is now under pressure to "uninvite himself" from the Royal Family's Christmas festivities, including a party at Buckingham Palace this Thursday, following another scandal.
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Last week it was revealed that Andrew was a "close confidant" of an alleged Chinese spy who has been banned from entering the UK following an MI5 investigation.
It remains unclear when the alleged spy, Yang Tengbo, and Andrew first discussed business opportunities in China. Andrew was expected to join the royals at Sandringham for their traditional Christmas mass and lunch, but this scandal has cast doubts.
The King is reportedly angry with his brother and hopes he will withdraw from public appearances in the coming days to avoid having to force the issue.
"There would inevitably have to be some very awkward conversations and the King would not relish making his brother squirm," revealed a royal insider to The Sun.
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