Duke and Duchess of York opt for low profile amid royal tension and media scrutiny
Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson have reportedly chosen to sit out this year’s Easter walk with the royal family, in what’s being seen as a strategic move to avoid overshadowing King Charles and minimise public controversy.
Sources close to the royals suggest the Duke and Duchess of York, who still reside together at Royal Lodge, are keenly aware of the optics surrounding their presence at public royal events—particularly amid ongoing fallout from Andrew’s scandals and the property dispute with the monarch.
“Fergie is a very smart lady,” one insider told local media. “She understands the scrutiny Andrew attracts and knows their attendance could spark negative headlines during a time the family is trying to project unity.”
While their daughters, often referred to as the York sisters, have not confirmed whether they’ll appear alongside King Charles and Queen Camilla, royal watchers believe their attendance might help balance the narrative and show quiet support for the monarchy.
Elsewhere, Prince William and Catherine are expected to forgo the traditional service to spend time privately with their children during the school holiday.
Senior royals including Princess Anne, Sir Tim Laurence, Duchess Sophie, and Prince Edward are anticipated to represent the family at Windsor Castle’s Easter Mattins service.
Notably, Andrew and Ferguson did attend the same service last year, marking Sarah’s first Easter appearance since her 1996 divorce from the Duke. This year, however, they appear content to remain in the background, letting others take the spotlight.
