Prince Andrew has reportedly been plotting his way back into public life after his disastrous BBC interview last year, but royal sources say there is no chance that will be allowed.
Last November, the Queen's son announced he was stepping back from royal duties for the "foreseeable future" following an interview with the BBC about his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. It also came amid a renewed focus on accusations he had sex with 17-year-old Virginia Giuffre, which he denies.
Since then, Prince Andrew has mostly stayed under the radar and is believed to be residing at the Royal Lodge on the family's Windsor Estate.
But according to a new report from The Times, he wants back.
The article reports it's understood the Duke of York wants to return to public duties and "serve his country" by supporting the monarchy and "reframing" his role.
It's said that he believes he has the Queen's backing, something other sources say isn't accurate.
The ongoing legal issues related to Epstein, which include the upcoming trial of his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, are reported to be stopping any move for Prince Andrew back into the public eye.
"While the hurdles around the Epstein case are still hanging over him, it will be difficult for him to represent the family in any capacity as his presence would overshadow the work of the monarchy."
United States authorities have repeatedly called for Prince Andrew to help out with their investigations into Epstein. According to the royal's lawyers, he is cooperating and statements by the Americans that he wasn't were inaccurate.
A new report from British tabloid The Mirror says Prince Andrew has "zero chance" of returning to his former role and he will instead remain on the "outside".
"Whatever the Duke may think his future looks like, he should be under no illusion that view is not shared by the people who actually make the decisions within the family," one source said.
The Mirror said while the Queen is sympathetic to her son, his brother, Prince Charles, and nephew, Prince William, want him kept away from any public roles.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson told The Sun there were no plans to review Prince Andrew's current status.
Epstein died in prison in August 2019 after being arrested for sex trafficking minors.
