Prince Andrew Could Have His Royal Duties Restored If 'His Name Is Cleared & Queen Elizabeth Is Still Alive,' Source Claims
If Prince Andrew is vindicated when he faces his accuser, Virginia Roberts, in court this year — she is suing him for allegedly raping her when she was 17 years old — then he may be able to return to royal life.
"I think if the Queen is still alive and his name is cleared, I would say that at that point what reason would there be for him to be barred from taking part in royal duties," a source close to Andrew told The Times.
However, if the Queen is no longer alive and Prince Charles is King, then it's less likely Andrew will get his titles and patronages back.
"It’s a different decision-maker and different people influencing him and therefore it’s slightly less predictable," the insider said.
Recently, Andrew lost his HRH title and patronages after it was revealed that he would be going to U.S. court after all.
"With The Queen's approval and agreement, The Duke of York’s military affiliations and Royal patronages have been returned to The Queen," Buckingham Palace said in a statement at the time. "The Duke of York will continue not to undertake any public duties and is defending this case as a private citizen."
Prince William apparently had a say as to what would happen to his uncle, which doesn't bode well for Andrew should Prince Charles take the throne soon.
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“William, in fact, was very involved in this decision, and it’s been said that he met with the queen in person ahead of their announcement that came out last week,” royal expert Kristin Contino told Us Weekly. “I think that really shows — and I think that’s interesting — his growing influence and how she trusts his judgment and is looking for his advice. And I think that’s a great sign of things to come for William and how much she is relying on talking to him and his counsel.”