Prince Andrew is being speculated to be on the path back into royal life after making a surprising appearance on Easter Sunday (April 20).

This marked the first time the 65-year-old Duke of York had been seen publicly since attending last year’s Easter service.

Prince Andrew makes unexpected appearance at Easter service

Although he is no longer an active working royal, Andrew joined other members of the royal family for the Easter church service. His former wife, Sarah Ferguson, was also in attendance. The two arrived in the same car as Princess Anne and her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence.

A body language expert commented on Andrew’s demeanor during the event, describing it as exuding “cocky arrogance.”

“Andrew’s body language signals were all about a kind of cocky arrogance here. With his jacket undone, he positioned himself in the gap in the middle of the group where he stood with his legs splayed in a pose of confidence,” Judi James told The Mirror.

“He evaporated back into the gloom of the porch once Charles arrived, but that also gave him the option of walking into the chapel close behind the king and queen, perhaps with Fergie, who seemed to have nipped to stand behind him.”

Prince Andrew expected to return to royal life

Now, there’s growing speculation that Andrew could eventually resume some form of public royal duties.

Speaking to The Sun, royal commentator and author Phil Dampier said, “It was very much a show of family unity. He’s not totally out in the cold, but I think it’s too early to say it’s any kind of comeback for him.”

However, Dampier suggested that Andrew’s return is likely only a matter of time.

“He’s not totally out in the cold,” he emphasized.

According to Dampier, Andrew is “desperate” to return to his former role. He also noted that Andrew believes the discrediting of Virginia Giuffre’s recent claims—where she allegedly said she had only days to live after a car accident—“slightly vindicates” him.

Dampier added that Prince William is playing a key role in opposing any future return for Andrew.

“He doesn’t believe he can make a comeback, and there is, I’m told, quite a lot of friction between them. It made it a lot easier, I think, for Andrew that William wasn’t there [at the Easter service],” he explained.

The royal expert also shared that while King Charles still cares deeply for his brother, he does not want Andrew to be completely exiled from royal life.

King Charles signals support with Andrew’s Easter inclusion

Royal biographer Ingrid Seward told the outlet that King Charles’ decision to allow his brother’s presence at the Easter event was a deliberate move.

“By allowing him back into the fold, Charles is sending an incredibly strong message of, ‘He’s my brother and I’m sticking by him,’” she said.

Is Prince Andrew still a royal?

Yes, Prince Andrew remains a royal and retains his title as the Duke of York. However, he is no longer a working royal and has been stripped of his honorary military titles and charitable patronages.

These decisions were made in 2022 following his out-of-court settlement with Virginia Giuffre, who had accused him of sexually assaulting her when she was 17. Andrew has consistently denied the allegations.

Though he still holds his royal title, he can no longer use the style “His Royal Highness” in public and may only do so privately. He remains eighth in the line of succession to the British throne.