Duke of York steps out as Princess Anne signals quiet backing of his family
Prince Andrew has made a rare public appearance just days after his daughter received a subtle but powerful show of support from a senior member of the royal family.
The Duke of York was spotted on Saturday taking his regular ride through the Windsor estate, appearing reflective as he rode through the sunshine. Dressed in a short-sleeved burgundy shirt, black trousers, leather riding gloves, and his signature striped riding helmet, the 65-year-old kept to his weekend routine on horseback.
This outing follows an engagement by Princess Anne, who recently visited the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield on behalf of King Charles. Her presence at the event, tied to a charity supported by the Duke's daughter, has been widely interpreted as a quiet show of solidarity with Andrew's family.
The Princess Royal's appearance comes amid speculation of growing friction between the Duke's daughter and Prince William. Princess Eugenie, a patron of Horatio's Garden, had earlier opened a therapeutic outdoor sanctuary at Salisbury District Hospital—highlighting her ongoing charitable efforts.
Princess Anne's involvement in the hospital event, connected to the same charity, has sent a clear message of unity within the royal fold, despite the ongoing challenges surrounding the Duke's public image.
Meanwhile, Prince Andrew continues to face scrutiny over his historical links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. A new claim has emerged suggesting that Andrew was allegedly asked by longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell to contribute a written message for Epstein's lavish 50th birthday tribute in 2003.
The leather-bound, gold-embossed album—reportedly filled with messages from Epstein's elite circle—was later seized by U.S. authorities during their investigation. It remains unknown whether the Duke submitted any written tribute. He has consistently denied any knowledge of Epstein's crimes, which were first exposed in 2006.
Despite distancing himself from the scandal, the Duke has since lost all royal patronages and official roles.
Yet with quiet gestures of support now emerging from within the Firm, there are signs that Prince Andrew may be slowly edging back into royal relevance—albeit from the sidelines.
