Charles and William Set For an ‘Awkward’ Run-In with Andrew — but They'll ‘Keep Their Distance’
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is certainly not topping anyone’s good books this year; in fact, most of his friends, family, and acquaintances would rather scurry away from him, including his elder brother, King Charles, and his nephew, Prince William. The disgraced royal and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, are reportedly preparing for their first public appearance since their fall from grace. The former Prince is set to attend his granddaughter’s christening, with the entire royal family also expected to be present.
Princess Beatrice is hosting the baptism of her second child, Athena, on Friday, December 12, with her property developer husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, at the Chapel Royal at St. James’s Palace. The couple had planned to hold their daughter’s christening earlier in the year, but the ceremony was pushed back in light of controversies that have surrounded the York family.
Despite her father's demotion, Beatrice will be inviting the King and William, which will inevitably force them all into an uncomfortable reunion. "Beatrice's daughter's christening is coming up this week, which will likely see Andrew reunited with his wider family," said the King's former butler, Grant Harrold, exclusively to The Mirror. He opined that it being a royal christening will most probably have Beatrice's extended family in attendance, including Charles, Queen Camilla, William, Princess Kate, and others. "It will be very awkward for certain members of the family, especially the King and Prince William," stressed Harrold. He explained, "They made the decision to strip Andrew of his titles, so the reunion will be very awkward. It's a very, very tricky situation." Things will also be awkward as Mountbatten-Windsor, now a commoner, will have to bow to the royals in the room, including his juniors.
Predicting how the King and William will handle the run-in, Harrold feels they might maintain a distance to keep things civil. "It's possible that senior members of the family will keep a distance. Conversations will happen in advance, as they won't want anything to go wrong on the day," he added. Mountbatten-Windsor, as Athena's grandfather, will likely have a key role to play in the christening; even though Beatrice is miffed with him, she will reportedly not rob him of this honor.
Charles and William, meanwhile, are extremely close to Beatrice and will be more than willing to be a part of her special occasion without causing any drama. They're expected to be 'very careful' throughout the event. They will also not want to be seen with the disgraced royal to give the message of having 'any sort of close relationship' with Mountbatten Windsor 'going forward,' Harrold argued.
The former Duke will also not be a part of any public photographs to avoid attracting attention, and it won't be an issue, as Beatrice and Mozzi are extremely private. As per Harrold, a few pictures will be shared publicly, but that will be it. "At the end of the day, this is Princess Beatrice and Edo's day — nobody will want personal drama to cause any upset," he concluded.