Andrew, Duke of York

[CHRISinUSA]

The royal family and their advisers tends to view things from a big picture perspective, they like to keep all options open.  Until William and Harry start having children, the York princesses are the next senior line of heirs in that generation.  Depending on how things play out, and how long the elder generations remain living and active, the Yorks very well might be needed to shoulder some royal duties until the next generation is old enough. 

Once William and Harry's children start arriving, the "need" of the York girls as back-ups will start to wane.  Plus they will soon end their education.   It seems to me that the royals are trying to slim down their numbers, so I'm not sure the Queen will ask them to take on royal duties.  That will be interesting to see what is decided.  If HM doesn't ask them to do royal duties, they will have to begin their own careers / start private lives. 

Finally, the household might be waiting to see if (as adults) the girls turn out to be more like the rest of the royal family - or more like their mother -  before deciding if they will be suitable to represent the Crown.  Those decisions might be ones HM is happy to leave to Charles to sort out.

[grandduchessella]

Absolutely justified - the man is a petulant, overgrown schoolboy - spoilt, self-righteous - a huge threat to the Monarchy.  His attitude and behaviour cannot be justified.  His defenders say thay he earns not a penny in his role as trade ambassador - I should hope not - he is a member of the Royal Family - this should be his role as a representative of the country and the Queen.  He seems to be the personification of all the worst character traits inherited from both his mother and father´s families.  The York quartet is an embarrassing blemish on the Royal heritage.

Looks like's not the trade ambassador anymore

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/jul/22/prince-andrew-unaccountable

About time Prince Andrew lost his job
The few facts about this unaccountable prince that have broken through a wall of silence show he should not be representing us

"The palace stated only that he would "undertake trade engagements if requested" but those in the know say his job is no more. "

[CHRISinUSA]

"The palace stated only that he would "undertake trade engagements if requested" but those in the know say his job is no more. "

Naturally.  Leaving all doors open allows the Duke to save face and put the best possible image on the development. Just saying "The Duke's services are no longer required," simply wouldn't do, now would it?  :~)

Kind of reminds me of a song lyric from the movie Evita:  "You'd better get out the flags and fix a parade.  Some kind of coming home in triumph is required."

[Ian (UK)]

WESTLAND SEA KING XZ574 on display at the Fleet Air Arm Museum Yeovilton.
      This is a Sea King from the Falklands campaign of 1982. Part of the museums description reads .........During the conflict it rescued Fleet Air Arm Aircrew from the sea on two separate occasions. The first rescue was carried out in the Atlantic during the Task Forces journey south. On that occasion it was piloted by HRH Prince Andrew.

Here is a short news clip of Prince Andrew in the Falklands
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6eK-a2tKgI .......Link by Youtube.

[Suzanne]

The Duke of York is currently in Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia for the Victoria Day long weekend in Canada

http://www.royalhistorian.com/prince-andrew-the-duke-of-york-visits-vancouver-and-victoria-canada-for-the-victoria-day-long-weekend/

[TimM]

I hope he enjoys his visit to Canada.

[Kimberly]

Well...there have been rumours flying around these here parts for a while so here you all go.
Seems like another royal wedding in the near future?
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2401660/Prince-Andrew-Sarah-Ferguson-17-years-divorce-amid-claims-thinking-marriage.html

Oh gawd...can you imagine the hats those daughters will wear......

[Grace]

Please let this just be a bizarre rumour......

[darius]

I think this could only possibly happen after the demise of both the D of E and HM and the D of Y is firmly relegated to the sidelines by his brother.  The Family really do not need this farce!

[Svetabel]

Oh gawd...can you imagine the hats those daughters will wear......

: ) Your comment made my day!

[Paul]

Oh, why not? Their's was never the worst marriage in the Royal Family.

There are more than a few couples who bond because (to be honest) no one else could put up with them. And, to everyone else's astonishment, they're very good to eachother. Over time, they outlast most of the "great love" couples of their social circle. Most of us know at least one couple who fits that bill, eh? The Duke & Duchess of York seem to be just such a couple.

[CHRISinUSA]

My objection would have nothing to do with how good or bad Andrew and Sarah's relationship is, nor how good or bad the marriage was.  Rather, it was Sarah's inability to control herself or behave in an appropriate way for a member of the royal family.  In my opinion, before she should be allowed to be a princess again, she first needs to learn how to be a lady.

[Gerta]

I agree with Chris that she should be given royal etiquette lessons but I don't think it will happen. If she would keep her mouth shut, stay away from the wine and learn how to handle her bank account, she has a chance, but no, it won't happen.  Leopard's don't change their spots.  Do you think this  announcement was timed because there may be an engagement for Beatrice?  If so, Prince Philip couldn't stop her from being at the wedding.

[CHRISinUSA]

There has been no announcement about anything Gerta.   There's only wild speculation in the press about a possible reconciliation between Andrew and Sarah, and that's only because Sarah has been in the public eye lately - particularly her recent visit with the Queen at Balmoral. 

My suspicion is the Balmoral visit has to do with the possibility that Beatrice is getting engaged soon.  Or it may have to do with any future official role the York princesses might play.  Either topic would almost certainly involve both parents.  Perhaps the Queen also took advantage of the fact that Prince Phillip was not going to be at Balmoral that weekend.

[Grace]

I agree that Sarah's visit to Balmoral was most likely about Beatrice and/or Eugenie.  After all she IS their mother.  Andrew and Sarah have not even been seen out and about publicly together as far as I'm aware and surely they would be if they were intending to re-marry in the near future? 

Who started this story anyway...the Daily Fai...Mail?