Prince Andrew ‘to have central role’ at Queen’s funeral & national mourning – despite stepping back from royal duties

PRINCE Andrew is reportedly set to have a ‘central role’ during the Queen’s funeral and period of national mourning – despite stepping back from royal duties three years ago

Even though the Duke of York has “stepped back” from royal duties over his links to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, is expected to join his family in mourning.

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As the Royal family presents a united front, Prince Andrew is said to have a key role in Her Majesty’s funeral with sources saying it would be “out of the question” for him to be excluded. 

However, sources claim he has “no hope of return to public life once she is laid to rest”.

A palace source told the Telegraph: “These plans will be signed off by the King in accordance with his mother’s wishes.”

Despite being embroiled in a sex claim scandal last year, the Queen’s “favourite” son is expected to walk behind The Queen’s coffin from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to nearby St Giles’ Cathedral today.

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DRESSING DOWN

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KING'S SPEECH

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But it is believed he has been banned from wearing a military uniform at the funeral and is instead expected to wear a morning suit.

Today’s procession, led by King Charles III will see The Queen’s coffin travel in a straight line up Canongate and the Royal Mile in the heart of the city.

It comes as…

• William & Harry could walk side by side behind the Queen’s coffin at her funeral
• Princess Anne curtsied to her beloved mum as Her Majesty’s coffin left Balmoral for the final time
• Thousands left flowers outside royal residences across the country
• King Charles III was proclaimed as King across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
• King Charles’ relentless schedule was revealed – where he always skips one meal a day
• Details of The Queen’s sombre final journey back to London emerged
• A new Bank Holiday to mark The Queen’s funeral on September 19 was established

The procession will leave The Palace of Holyroodhouse at 2.35pm.

King Charles will lead some of the royals on foot, the Earl of Wessex, Princess Royal and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence.

Meanwhile, Camilla, the Queen Consort, and other members of The Firm will follow in cars.

Members of the public will be able to view the coffin to pay their respects for 24 hours before it is taken to London ahead of a period of lying in state.

It comes as Prince Andrew was seen on Saturday attending a prayer service for the Queen where he thanked the public for their support.

The Duke of York thanked people for visiting Balmoral after the death of his mother the Queen, saying: “We’ve been allowed one day, now we start the process of handing her on.”

Back in February Prince, Andrew paid a multi-million-pound settlement to Virginia Giuffre over sexual abuse allegations.

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SISTERLY ACT

Touching moment Anne comforted by Sophie after following Queen's coffin

QUEEN'S CORTEGE

King Charles will lead royals in procession behind Queen's coffin today

He was stripped of his military titles by the Queen and has barely been seen in public since.

He appeared alongside his mother at Prince Philip’s remembrance service, travelling in her car and walking her down the aisle of Westminster Abbey.