Andrew withdraws from Christmas bash to avoid overshadowing King Charles, Kate

Prince Andrew took a step back from this year’s Royal Christmas celebrations to avoid overshadowing King Charles and Kate Middleton, an expert has claimed.

According to royal correspondent Jennie Bond, the “disgraced” Duke of York took the hard decision because this year’s festivities are special for the monarch and the Princess of Wales following their respective cancer diagnosis.

Speaking with OK! Magazine, the expert noted that Charles would not have wanted to rescind Andrew’s Christmas celebrations, had he not backed out himself.

“Andrew would have had to be living on another planet to be unaware of the furore surrounding his association with an alleged spy,” she said.

The expert added, “Just as the year is set to end on a high for the Royal Family - with the King and Princess of Wales greeting the crowds on Christmas Day - along comes another embarrassing row involving the Duke of York.”

“The King is a kind soul and Andrew is his brother: he would have hated to be put in the position of having to un-invite him or ban him from what promises to be a big family get together.”

“It seems quite likely that Andrew sat down with Fergie,” the expert continued, “and possibly his daughters, to discuss the best solution.”

“Thankfully, wise heads have prevailed and he obviously realised that his presence at Sandringham would be an embarrassing distraction on a day which - this year of all years - should be all about the King and Catherine.”