As Prince Andrew made a surprise appearance with the Royal Family on Easter Sunday, we want to know if you think the Duke of York should return to public duties – vote in our poll to have your say

Prince Andrew stepped down from royal duties in 2019(Image: Getty Images)

Prince Andrew’s hopes of rejoining the Royal Family are said to be “firmly closed” following the death of Virginia Giuffre – and we want to hear your thoughts. The 41-year-old tragically took her own life on Friday at her farm in Western Australia after a period described by those closest to her as deeply distressing.

In February 2022, Andrew reached an out-of-court settlement worth £12million with Ms Giuffre, who had accused the royal of sexually assaulting her on three occasions in 2001. The settlement was made without any admission of liability and Andrew has consistently and vehemently denied any wrongdoing.

Before the sad passing of Ms Giuffre, who was described as “a fierce warrior in the fight against sexual abuse” by her heartbroken relatives, the Duke was reportedly keen to make a return to the Firm. However, insiders have said: “The door to a return is firmly closed.” It follows Andrew’s surprise appearance at the Easter Sunday service in Windsor alongside royal members – including King Charles and Queen Camilla, as well as daughters Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice, and ex-wife Sarah Ferguson.

The 65-year-old stepped down from royal duties in 2019 following his explosive BBC Newsnight interview which exposed his relationship with the late billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. In a statement, approved by the late Queen, he said it had “become clear” to him that his “former association with Jeffrey Epstein has become a major disruption to my family’s work.”

His appearance on April 20 marks the first time Andrew had been pictured at a formal royal event since last Easter. Despite being stripped of his royal patronages and military affiliations, Andrew has continued to attend family events.

However, he was absent from the Royal Family’s Christmas lunch and church walk at Sandringham following revelations he had been linked to an alleged Chinese spy. Prince William is reported to have an “incredibly strained” relationship with Andrew and is understood to be reluctant to spend time with his uncle at any gathering after the Duke has heaped shame on the family.

The future king was reportedly instrumental in Andrew’s banishment from royal life following his disastrous TV interview. A royal source said: “William has no time for his uncle. This Easter was about spending time with his own family, but he would far prefer a situation where he doesn’t have to spend time with him.”

Reports suggest that any tension between the Prince of Wales and his uncle stems from a longstanding ‘grudge’ dating back to the early days of William’s relationship with the Princess of Wales. Richard Kay’s column in the Daily Mail said: “William has long held a grudge against Andrew for being unwelcoming when he first introduced the then Kate Middleton to the Royal Family and feels that his father has been too soft on him.”

In response to the claims, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told OK!: “I think William was quick to grasp that Andrew is toxic to the royal brand. And, in a pretty ruthless and business-like way, I think William has pushed for Andrew to be excluded and to stay excluded from the official royal circle.”

Following the heartbreaking death of Ms Giuffre, we want to know if you think Andrew should be allowed to return to public duties. Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.