PRINCE Andrew made a surprise return to public life at the King’s Easter church service yesterday — with an expert saying he will soon be back in the fold as a working royal.
The Duke of York, 65, breezed in laughing and joking ahead of the ceremony at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, accompanied by ex-wife Sarah Ferguson.
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Meanwhile, the Prince and Princess of Wales took their children to church 120 miles away at Sandringham.
Today was the first time that Andrew had appeared in public since the Easter service last year.
He chatted happily with family members in the sunshine and greeted King Charles and Queen Camilla.
It comes just weeks after his sex accuser Virginia Giuffre bizarrely claimed to be dying in Australia.
Royal expert Phil Dampier said it is now “only a matter of time” before he is welcomed back as a working royal.
He said Charles still loves his brother “and he doesn’t want him to be completely outcast”.
He added: “It was very much a show of family unity.
“He’s not totally out in the cold, but I think it’s too early to say it’s any kind of comeback for him.”
He said Andrew is desperate to return and likely feels Ms Giuffre’s latest claims “slightly vindicate him”.
Mr Dampier believes Kate and William’s decision to take their family to Sandringham’s St Mary Magdalene Church was not linked to Andrew.
But he went on: “It is absolutely true to say that William is one of the driving forces behind making sure that there is no future for for the Duke of York.
“He doesn’t believe he can make a comeback, and there is, I’m told, quite a lot of friction between them.
“It made it a lot easier, I think, for Andrew today that William wasn’t there.”
Prince Andrew and Sarah came by car with Princess Anne and her hubby Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence.
They then greeted Charles and Camilla after they arrived in their State Bentley.
The monarchs then spoke to the Dean of Windsor, Dr Christopher Cocksworth, before waving to crowds.
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Other senior royals arrived on foot led by the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and their son James, Earl of Wessex.
Andrew and Fergie’s daughter Princess Eugenie walked beside her husband Jack Brooksbank.
Her sister Princess Beatrice, who gave birth prematurely in January, also joined them with husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.
Andrew, who was stripped of any royal roles over his links to dead paedo Jeffrey Epstein, was banned from Christmas with the royals after becoming embroiled with alleged Chinese spy Yang Tengbo.
Claire Myers-Lamptey, who was there with his son, said: “It was really interesting to see Fergie walk in with the Duke of York. That is quite a bold statement.”
The King wished onlookers “a very Happy Easter” as he left.
Camilla was given a posy from a young girl and told her: “Happy Easter, thank you so much.”
Moments later, the other royals emerged, with Princess Anne appearing to use a large umbrella as a walking aide.
The Duke and Duchess of York were the last to leave, with Fergie smiling and waving to the cameras.
Prince Andrew did not respond when members of the public wished him a Happy Easter.
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