Prince Andrew ‘set to flee UK’ for palace 4,376 miles away amid new royal scandal

Speaking of Andrew’s absence on Thursday, royal author Phil Dampier claimed that he was “very surprised” by Andrew’s decision.

He said: “I am very surprised that Andrew has pulled out of the Buckingham Palace lunch because it is a private event and he would only be seen arriving in his car.

“Other members of the family are sympathetic towards him, but it seems at the moment he is being influenced by his ex-wife Sarah, who is perhaps playing a longer game now that she is back in the bosom of the Royal Family.”