Prince Andrew’s coat of arms banner removed at Windsor Castle in ‘hugely symbolic’ moment

Prince Andrews banner bearing his coat of arms has been removed from St Georges Chapel at Windsor Castle, marking a symbolic blow to the disgraced royals standing within the Order of the Garter. The flag, which once hung beside Prince Williams, had been on display since 2006, when Andrew was made a Knight of the Order, one of Britains oldest and most prestigious chivalric honours, founded in the 14th century. Photographs taken last weekend showed the banner still in place, but by Wednesday, it had been taken down, leaving a visible gap where it once hung.  The removal of such a display is rare and typically reserved for instances of high treason or rebellion against the Crown. While the 65-year-old Duke of York has not been formally stripped of his knighthood, he agreed to relinquish the use of his Duke of York title and step back from public royal duties following the fallout from his association with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Sources said the banners removal was carried out at the most convenient moment, signalling a quiet but deliberate move by the royal household to further distance the monarchy from Andrews controversies.  The design of Andrews banner included the three lions of England, the harp of Ireland, and Scotlands lion rampant, with an anchor symbolising his naval career. The emblem was modelled after those once used by Kings George V and VI when they held the title Duke of York. Andrews continued membership in the Order of the Garter has long angered royal insiders, given his links to Epstein and his 12 million settlement with s3x abuse accuser Virginia Giuffre. Although he has not attended the Orders public ceremonies since 2019, he has continued to participate in its private annual luncheon. St Georges Chapel holds deep personal significance for Andrew, as it is where he attended the funerals of his parents, Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 and Prince Philip the year before. Since the Orders founding by King Edward III in 1348, forty knights have been removed in disgrace. Traditionally, their banners were cast to the ground inside the chapel and ceremoniously kicked outside into a ditch by royal heralds, a gesture of ultimate dishonour. The post Prince Andrews coat of arms banner removed at Windsor Castle in hugely symbolic moment appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.