Prince Andrew 'scowls' as he takes solo ride ahead of Trooping the Colour snub
Prince Andrew will not take part in the celebrations for King Charles's official birthday on Saturday.
Prince Andrew put up an unhappy display as he was caught riding solo ahead of Trooping the Colour.
The Duke of York appeared to be scowling as he rode through Windsor Great Park less than 24 hours before the King's official birthday celebrations.
Andrew stepped back from official duties in 2019 following a disastrous interview with BBC Newsnight over his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The 64-year-old was pictured wearing a pale brown jacket over a crimson red shirt and a riding helmet.
Despite his absence on Saturday, the Duke of York reportedly helped younger brother Prince Edward with his debut as a colonel of the Scots Guard.
Andrew is believed to have offered the Duke of Edinburgh riding lessons in the quadrangle at Windsor Castle.
The Duke participated in only two Trooping the Colour ceremonies as colonel of the Grenadiers but has retired from public life over accusations about his relationship with Epstein.
While he has repeatedly and vehemently denied all allegations, Andrew has mostly been on the fringes of the Royal Family these past five years.
Trooping the Colour celebrations this year have been adapted to avoid putting too much pressure on the King as he continues his battle with cancer.
King Charles returned to public-facing duties in late April and has already attended a series of large public events earlier this month to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.
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Rather than inspecting the troops on horseback, the King will appear in a carriage despite his eagerness to ride his horse, Noble – a present by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Prince William will also join his father at the traditional event and royal commentators have suggested Kate, the Princess of Wales could join as well to watch the RAF Red Arrows's flypast.
Speaking on Palace Confidential, royal expert Rebecca English said: "What's very interesting, is that when I've asked both Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace about it this week, it's been not saying a word.
"I mean look, if she is there. Fantastic. People will be delighted to see her. If she isn't, don't read anything into it because she never said she would be. I think it will be a bonus."
