Prince Andrew was spotted driving a car in Windsor while the Queen went for a horse ride, accompanied by her groom. Last week, the Queen kicked off a new era for the Royal Family with an event attended seven of her family members – with the group quickly being dubbed the ‘New Firm’.
Notably absent was Prince Andrew, who stepped back from royal life in 2019 following a disastrous BBC interview about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
Also absent was Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who moved to California earlier this year.
Dubbed the ‘New Firm’, the group of eight members of the Royal Family include Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Charles and wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and Princess Anne.
The new line-up was revealed last week when the Queen hosted the first public royal gathering in nine months at Windsor Castle.
A royal source said: “The family are united in exploring the possibilities in working with each other to highlight the causes dear to their hearts, helping each other and the country at the same time.
“They are working on opportunities for next year and beyond already.
“As soon as they are able it will be all hands on deck to make up for lost time.
“The Queen has often said they ‘need to be seen to be believed’ – this is coming from the very top.”
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“It’s worth remembering, of course, that George Charlotte and Louis will themselves be senior working royal and take on royal engagements.
“And if they marry obviously that will widen the circle.”
In the new line-up, the likes of Prince Philip, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry and Prince Andrew were all notably absent.
However, the Duke of Edinburgh retired from public office in August 2017 and bowed out of royal duties.
Meghan and Harry shocked the world this year after announcing they will no longer be senior members of the royal family.
They moved to Los Angeles where they have been living during the coronavirus pandemic with their son, Archie.
Over the last 13 months, Prince Andrew has not taken part in any royal engagements.
He was also not included in the official pictures of the wedding of his daughter Princess Beatrice.
The Duke of York said in a statement to have asked the Queen to be allowed to temporarily steep back as senior royal.
This came following his car crash interview with Newsnight’s Emily Maitlis about his association with convicted sex offender Epstein.
