Prince Andrew’s ‘central role’ in Queen’s funeral before ‘disappearing’ again

Prince Andrewis set to play a "central role" in the Queen’s funeral as the Royal Family put on a united front during the national period of mourning.

Following this, the Duke of York is expected to disappear from public life – although he has beenreported to be caring for the Queen’s corgis, alongside his daughterPrincess Beatrice.

Andrew has rarely been seen in public since his association with convicted paedophile and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein became public knowledge.

The Prince was believed to have been very close to his mother, the lateQueen Elizabeth II, and escorted her to the memorial service for the Duke Of Edinburgh.

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This was his first time appearing in public since settling a civil sex abuse case with Virginia Giuffre, who has accused the Prince of multiple counts of sexual abuse.

Now, a palace source has told theTelegraphthat with the Royal Family trying to present a united front it would be "out of the question" for Andrew not to be involved in the Queen's upcoming funeral.

"Once it is all over, he will be expected to retreat back to a life lived well under the royal radar," the source shared.

While the disgraced Prince has not released a formal statement following the death of his mother, he could be seen visiting the flowers that had been laid out by the general public at Balmoral.

Asked by a mourner how things were, Andrew said: “We’ve been allowed one day, now we start the process of handing her on.”

He added: “It’s nice to see you, thank you for coming.”

When the Queen’scoffin arrived at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburghyesterday, Andrew could be seen standing alongside his siblingsPrincess Anneand Prince Edward.

The Queen’s coffin was then laid to rest overnight in Holyroodhouse's Throne Room.

Today, Monday 12 September, it will travel in a procession to St Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh, along the Royal Mile with the King and the late Queen’s other children, including the Duke of York, following on foot.

The Crown of Scotland will be placed on the coffin as it is carried inside. There, she will lie at rest until Tuesday. Mourners will be able to view the Queen’s coffin in Edinburgh from 5pm today, officials have confirmed.

On Tuesday evening, Princess Anne will accompany her mother’s body on an RAF flight back to London and on to Buckingham Palace, to be greeted by Charles and Camilla.

On Wednesday at 2.22pm, adorned with the Imperial State Crown, the coffin will be taken in procession on a Gun Carriage of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery to the Palace of Westminster, where she will lie in state in Westminster Hall for four days.

The Queen will remain here until 6.30am on Monday 19 September, when the coffin will be taken to Westminster Abbey for her state funeral.

After the funeral she will travel to Windsor Castle, where she will be laid to rest in St George’s Chapel alongside her beloved late husband,Prince Philip.

This week, OK! celebrates the life of Her Majesty the Queen with a commemorative special in honour of Britain’s longest reigning monarch. Be sure to pick up your copy.

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