In response to insiders, the choice wasn’t made by the King however was as a substitute influenced by Andrew’s ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, who is alleged to have inspired him to spend Christmas privately at their house in Windsor.

The previous couple, who nonetheless share a detailed bond regardless of their divorce in 1996, will have a good time Christmas quietly on the Royal Lodge in Windsor.

Their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, had already made plans to spend the vacation with their respective in-laws.

A palace supply shared with The Instances: “I do know that the King may be very grateful to the duchess for her help.”

This Christmas marks a stark distinction to final 12 months, when each Andrew and Sarah had been invited to Sandringham for the vacation celebrations.

It was a big second for Sarah, because it was the primary time she had been invited again to hitch the Royal Household at Sandringham since her divorce in 1996.

Final 12 months, she participated within the Royal Household’s conventional morning stroll to church, which many considered as an indication of her return to the royal fold.

Regardless of the continued drama surrounding Andrew, Sarah has remained fiercely loyal to him.

In a latest interview with The Instances, which passed off earlier than the most recent revelations, Sarah expressed her timeless affection for her ex-husband.

She stated: “I used to be completely and completely in love with Andrew. I’d do it over again, 100%. He is one of the best, an important man with an important coronary heart, and sort. Our marriage ceremony was one of the best day of my life.

“I will not let him down. He helps me as a lot as I assist him.”

Though their marriage resulted in 1996 after a decade, Sarah has frequently supported Andrew, each throughout their marriage and after their divorce.

Reflecting on their time collectively, she lately stated: “If we might return, we might undoubtedly play it otherwise.”