Prince Andrew set for ‘central role’ in Queen funeral but no public life return

Prince Andrew is set for a 'central role' in the Queen's funeral, 'but has no hope of return to public life once she is laid to rest'.

The disgraced duke has been granted a temporary reprieve to mourn his mother but is then expected to 'disappear'.

Despite the controversies over his links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, the Duke of York is expected to join his family as they unite in their grief, with sources saying it would be 'out of the question' for him to be excluded.

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Uncertainty remains as to what form the truce will take at the Queen's service on September 19, but reports suggest that Prince Andrew is set to play a key role.

It comes as the royal family attempts to put on a united front during the period of national mourning, following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral on Thursday.

On Saturday, while Charles was sworn in as King, Anne, Andrew, Edward and their children thanked well-wishers who had gathered outside the gates of Balmoral.

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The 62-year-old was seen reading tributes to his late mother and embracing his daughter Princess Eugenie, and yesterday joined other members of the family in Edinburgh for the arrival of the Queen's coffin.

With his apparent banishment from public life seemingly brought to a temporary halt The Duke of York was present at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in the Scottish capital with his sister Princess Anne, and brother Prince Edward, as the cortege arrived.

Andrew is thought to have been incredibly close to his late mother, and is believed to have spent large amounts of time in recent months.

He has often been described as the Queen's 'favourite son', and was seen walking arm-in-arm with his mother for the funeral of his late father, Prince Phillip.

He has rarely been seen in public since his association with notorious paedophile Jeffrey Epstein became public knowledge, with other members of the family railing against his involvement in royal functions.

His appearance at the Duke of Edinburgh's memorial was his first appearance after settling a civil sex abuse case with Virginia Giuffre, with no admission of liability.

The Duke will play a key role in the period of national mourning following the death of his mother, something that has the blessing of the King.

The Telegraph quotes a palace source as saying it would be "out of the question' for him not to be involved when the royal family is trying to present a united front.

But this temporary reprieve is not set to become permanent, with both King Charles and Prince William making it clear that Andrew will not play any formal role in their reigns.

"Once it is all over, he will be expected to retreat back to a life lived well under the royal radar," the paper reported.

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