Each year, the Princess of Wales hosts her traditional Christmas carol service, which has become a beloved royal event and is typically broadcast on Christmas Eve.

Last year’s gathering saw Kate joined by her husband, Prince William, and their three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

Although King Charles III and Queen Camilla stayed home as they continued to recover from health issues, many other royals attended the festive occasion. However, one familiar face was notably absent, drawing attention from royal watchers.

Prince Andrew Left Off the Guest List

Reports suggest that the Princess of Wales made the deliberate decision not to invite a former senior royal family member who was once a regular attendee.

Observers quickly noted that Prince Andrew was missing from the event. According to royal columnist Ephraim Hardcastle, Kate chose not to extend an invitation to her uncle-in-law.

Hardcastle wrote that while the King may have welcomed Andrew to spend Christmas at Sandringham last year, the Prince and Princess of Wales opted to maintain a careful distance.

“William and Kate aren’t sharing the love,” Hardcastle commented. “A mole whispers that for the second year running, suggestions that Andrew be invited to Kate’s annual carol service, possibly seated behind a pillar, were rejected.”

The columnist concluded, “Although very much a family affair… there was no space for Uncle Andy.”

Kensington Palace has not issued any official comment on the matter.

Prince Andrew’s Further Step Away from Royal Duties

Earlier this month, Prince Andrew distanced himself even further from royal life amid ongoing scrutiny over his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

On October 17, he announced that he would no longer use his royal titles, including Duke of York.

In a statement released at the time, Andrew said: “In discussion with The King, and my immediate and wider family, we have concluded the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family.

“I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first. I stand by my decision five years ago to stand back from public life.

“With His Majesty’s agreement, we feel I must now go a step further. I will therefore no longer use my title or the honours which have been conferred upon me. As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me.”

Symbolic Removal from Windsor Castle

In a further symbolic move, Prince Andrew’s personal banner featuring his coat of arms has reportedly been taken down from Windsor Castle.

The red, blue, white, and yellow flag represented his membership in the Order of the Garter—a distinction he received in 2006.

According to The Sun, the banner was still visible on Saturday, October 19, but was removed by Wednesday, October 22.

The decision to remove the banner appears to mark another quiet step in distancing Andrew from his former public role within the monarchy.