The Duke of York will be ‘invisible’ from The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations next year so as not to distract from the events marking Her Majesty’s 70 years on the throne.
A US court has scheduled his sexual abuse lawsuit at a time that is likely to clash with Her Majesty’s jubilee celebrations.
Speaking to The Sun, a royal source said that Prince Andrew will be ‘invisible’ during the four days of national celebration which will take place from June 2 to June 5 next year.
It is unlikely that the 61-year-old will appear at any royal event for the Jubilee, including the balcony appearance alongside his family at Buckingham Palace.
When approached by The Sun, neither Buckingham Palace nor a spokesperson for the Duke of York offered any comment.
Royal expert Nigel Cawthorne told the newspaper: “It is very sensible otherwise the attention would all be on Andrew.
“It is an embarrassing situation for the Queen especially as she is stumping up for his defence. He just has to keep his head down.”
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told MailOnline: “The news that the court case brought by Virginia Roberts Giuffre against Prince Andrew will be heard in the run-up to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations is grim news for the Palace.
“It means that speculation which is certain to be sensational is likely to make headline news over the coming months.”
Virginia Giuffre, a victim of the convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, has filed a civil case against Prince Andrew, accusing him of rape and sexual assault when she was 17.
The Duke has always vehemently denied the allegations, with his lawyers describing the claims as “baseless.”
