Deck the Halls for All But Prince Andrew: Kate Middleton Refused to Give Disgraced Duke a Seat at Popular Carol Service Even 'Behind a Pillar'

Catherine, Princess of Wales, 42, allegedly thought it was wise not to try and tuck "rotund" Prince Andrew, 64, from the view of cameras at her "Together at Christmas" service.

Columnist Ephraim Hardcastle dished, "A mole whispers that for the second year running, suggestions that Andrew be invited to Kate's annual carol service, possibly seated behind a pillar, were rejected."

The now annual event, held on Friday, December 6, at Westminster Abbey, was a significant gathering for the royal family, and seating arrangements were meticulously planned. Reports suggested that both King Charles III, 76, and Prince William, 42, extended an olive branch to Andrew, ensuring he was seated prominently during the concert.

This decision reportedly reflects the Crown's ongoing efforts to present a united front amid past controversies. The Duke of York's public image has faced challenges, but the family's choice to include him visibly at such events indicates a desire for reconciliation. The concert, hosted by the queen-in-waiting, was not only a festive occasion but also a platform to showcase "familial solidarity."

However, Her Royal Highness was apparently having none of it, which is a stance the King "cannot seem to fully commit himself to, likely because this is his little brother at the end of the day," a royal source shared. "He may want him out of Royal Lodge and into a smaller place, but certainly not out of the family."

Hardcastle observed, "Last year, the King tried to get W&K to bury the hatchet during a gathering at Balmoral, where he cajoled them into giving Andrew a lift to church so the trio could be photographed together," the columnist pointed out. "The initiative failed."

Although recent reports conflict, it has long been suggested the future king reportedly held a "grudge" against his uncle, ever since the disgraced Duke "snobbily" chided then-Kate Middleton before her 2011 marriage to the Prince of Wales.

Now, royal commentator Richard Kay suggests based on speculation that "it is William who is pushing his father to evict the Duke of York from Royal Lodge, so the Waleses could move in."

"Differences between monarch and heir do remain, especially when it comes to the Prince Andrew scandal," Kay said when discussing William's opposition to the Duke of York at royal events.

Allegedly, the Duke of York felt that Kate was not suitable to become a Queen consort of Britain since she was not of "at the very least" noble birth. The future queen is a "tried and true commoner" and hails from a middle-class background although her parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, are millionaires. One palace insider said, "William has despised him [Andrew] ever since" the suggested snub.

Charles III and his younger brother have been feuding over the latter's grand home ever since the former acceded to the British throne in September 2022. With his heir's firm assistance, it is believed by many that the King "could go full steam ahead in booting the Duke."

Marie Claire reported on the expert opinions.