Heir he is!
Prince Andrew has been seen for the first time since he was plagued by a string of controversies that forced the royals to snub him from several key family events.
The disgraced Duke of York, 64, was pictured out and about on the Windsor estate on Monday — more than a month after he was last seen.
Andrew enjoyed a morning of horse riding, during which the scandal-scarred royal appeared chipper and in good spirits.
King Charles’ younger brother rode on horseback alongside a horse groom — a designated staffer responsible for the safety and care of the royal family’s animals.
It appears as though Andrew’s love of horses reflects that of his sister Princess Anne, who is an experienced and accomplished rider — having represented Great Britain at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal.
As for Andrew, the former working royal’s mood seemingly changed for the worse later in the day, as he appeared somber while driving his Range Rover on the Windsor estate.
It is the first time Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie’s father has been seen this year since he was caught up in a few controversies in recent months.
Last month, Andrew found himself in hot water after his business adviser was accused of being a Chinese spy.
The duke’s former staffer, who was not named and is only known as a “close confidant,” was banned from entering the UK as a result of the allegations.
A special immigration investigation has since been launched.
As a result, Andrew was reportedly urged to uninvite himself from the royal family’s Christmas lunch, despite the 45-people-strong guest list.
The controversy came hot on the heels of another shocker, which saw the financial firm managing Andrew’s private investments shut down.
The former working royal was then reported to the police and accused of using a fake name to register a company.
London’s Metropolitan Police is in the process of determining whether any further action against the duke is required.
Days later, the disgraced duke was snubbed from a royal dinner held at Windsor Castle on Jan. 9 — despite living at the Royal Lodge, which is located on the grounds of the residence.
The dinner, hosted by Princess Anne, honored Andrew’s alma mater Gordonstoun School, which he attended with his brothers, King Charles and Prince Edward.
As warden for the school, the Princess Royal, 74, had set up a lavish get-together at Windsor, but her scandal-scarred brother was nowhere to be seen.