BBC Breakfast issued a news alert about the Royal Family in the final moments of the show. Presenter Roger Johnson said: “Just before we go at the end of the programme, the Royal Family Easter Service at St George’s Chapel will take place later today.
“The King and Queen will be joined by senior members of the Royal Family, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, who didn’t attend last year. Notably, this year, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Sarah Ferguson, their daughters Princess Beatrice and Eugenie, will not be there.”
Royal historian Kate Williams added: “This is the first royal outing we’ve had since that moment earlier this year when Andrew was arrested, and they photographed him leaving the police station in Norfolk.
Roger Johnson spoke to royal historian Kate Williams (Image: BBC)
“This is the moment the royal family are engaged in damage control. The King put out a statement, and they are clearly separating themselves from Andrew, and the royal events going forward are very unlikely to feature him
The royal family is both a family and a business, and the Easter service is both a family and a business occasion, but the idea that Andrew could come is simply impossible.
Speaking of King Charles’ visit to the US to meet US President Donald Trump during his conflict with Iran, Williams said: “This is going to be the most looked at royal event of King Charles’ reign. Nothing is going to be discussed as much as this. This is going to be a controversial visit.
“The royal family is supposed to be politically neutral, but in the midst of a war, we don’t know his feelings, but how can you be neutral? Everything he does will be scrutinised.”
