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'Palace uproar' over Prince Andrew's funeral demand from Queen

Prince Andrew has reportedly been 'linked to a palace uproar' over a request he has made to the Queen ahead of Prince Philip's funeral.

The Duke of York, who stepped back from public duties over his friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein 18 months ago, is demanding he be allowed to dress in Admiral uniform despite deferring the title.

prince andrew
Prince Andrew's request is sparking some discussions in the palace. Photo: Getty

“People have opinions and there are ongoing discussions about the right course of action," a source told the Daily Mail.

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Andrew became an honorary Vice-Admiral in the Royal Navy on his 55th birthday in 2015, and was due to be promoted to Admiral on his 60th birthday last year.

But he instead offered to defer the role, until he cleared his name and returned to public life.

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Andrew, Duke of York appear on the balcony during Trooping The Colour
Prince Andrew, Duke of York, gave up his military roles when he stepped back. Photo: Getty

The Queen is expected to make a decision on Andrew's request in the next 24 hours. He may have lost many of his charitable patronages last year but he has not been stripped of his military positions and titles yet.

Buckingham Palace decline to comment on the request, instead sharing a statement with the Daily Mail that read: “Funeral arrangements are being finalised and we will announce them accordingly.”

Both Prince Edward and Princess Anne are entitled to wear their military dress, as well as Prince William and Prince Charles, who have honorary roles as well.

If Her Majesty allows Andrew to do the same, it could see Prince Harry be the only one left out of the fold after he lost his military titles when he stepped back from his royal duties.

Royal rules dictate that Harry would only be allowed to wear a mourning suit with medals.

Queen Elizabeth II
The Queen will finalise funeral plans in the next 24 hours. Photo: Getty

The move comes after it was revealed Prince Andrew already harboured hopes Philip's funeral could be his "comeback to public life".

He spoke publicly for the first time since stepping back from his duties to pay tribute to his father, calling him a “grandfather of the nation”.

A source close to Prince Andrew said the Duke decided to speak out because he was 'increasingly confident' he would return to some royal duties in the near future.

“He still harbours thoughts that he can make a comeback. He genuinely thinks that’s possible,” the insider told the Daily Mail.

Prince Andrew was forced to step down from public duties in November 2019 after being engulfed in the scandal involving Epstein.

The saga escalated after Andrew's rambling explanations in a disastrous BBC TV interview that left many viewers incredulous, and his apparent lack of compassion for Epstein's victims drew widespread condemnation.

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