Queen Elizabeth cancels Prince Andrew's grand 60th birthday plans days after Royal family rocked by allegations
Queen Elizabeth has reportedly opted to have a small dinner instead of a big celebration on account of Prince Andrew's 60th birthday which falls on February 19, according to a report by The Sunday Times.
The Duke of York found himself surrounded by controversy after his name was dragged in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. Epstein was arrested after he was found guilty of sex trafficking.
It has also been reported that Prince Andrew's interview with BBC Newsnight was not sanctioned by the Queen. "The Queen did not give her approval. The fact that notion has somehow been put about has aggrieved people in the [royal] households," a source told the outlet.
The source continued, "Andrew had a son-to-mother conversation, letting her know that he was planning to address the controversy, but without going into any details... What should have happened was the full palace process."
Meanwhile, royal author Penny Junor told the outlet that Prince Andrew's career has come to an end after his name was dragged in the controversy. "He's finished. If Andrew is no longer representing or supporting the monarch in any capacity or doing good charitably, what's the point of him?" she said.
The queen is reportedly being supportive of Prince Andrew but is also frustrated to see how these allegations are overshadowing the work that the royal family is doing. This news comes days after Prince Andrew stepped down from his royal duties.
It has been reported that Queen Elizabeth decided to let Prince Andrew give up his royal duties after he was being associated with Epstein. The Duke of York also took to social media to discuss his withdrawal from all royal duties.
"It has become clear to me over the last few days that the circumstances relating to my former association with Jeffrey Epstein have become a major disruption to my family's work and the valuable work going on in the many organizations and charities that I am proud to support," he wrote.
"Therefore, I have asked Her Majesty if I may step back from public duties for the foreseeable future, and she has given her permission," he said while adding that he regrets having any connection with Epstein.
He concluded the post by writing, "Of course, I am willing to help any appropriate law enforcement agency with their investigations if required."