Prince Andrew looks disgruntled as he takes solo ride on the eve of another Trooping the Colour that will go on without him
- The Duke of York will not appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony tomorrow
- READ MORE: How to watch Trooping the Colour: What time is it and what TV channel is it on?
Prince Andrew has been pictured looking less than pleased as he embarks on a solo horse-ride the evening before the Trooping the Colour ceremony.
The disgraced duke, who took a step back from senior royal duties amid the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, was seen wearing a pale brown jacket over a crimson red shirt with gloves and a riding helmet.
The 64-year-old will not make an appearance on the iconic Buckingham Palace balcony alongside other members of the Royal Family tomorrow.
But it is believed Andrew helped to prepare his brother Prince Edward for his debut as colonel of the Scots Guard by offering horse-riding lessons in the quadrangle at Windsor Castle.
In a departure from tradition their older brother, King Charles III, will appear at Trooping the Colour in a carriage rather than on horseback as he bravely continues his fight against cancer.
Prince Andrew pictured looking less than pleased as he embarks on a solo horse-ride the evening before Trooping the Colour ceremony
Prince Andrew, 64, will not make an appearance on the iconic Buckingham Palace balcony tomorrow
The Duke of York drives his car at Windsor Castle on the eve of Trooping the Colour
Prince Andrew, who was briefly colonel of the Grenadiers, attended just two Troopings in 2018 and 2019.
After serving as a helicopter pilot and instructor during the Falklands War, the naval man had to undergo intensive preparation for his time in the saddle.
But Andrew found himself on the fringes of the Royal Family following damning accusations about his relationship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Although he has vehemently and repeatedly denied all allegations against him, King Charles has kept the prince at arm's length since.
Other notable omissions from tomorrow's ceremony include Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who were reportedly not invited for the second year in a row.
This year's Trooping the Colour will be the first major royal event which King Charles is attending since returning to public-facing duties amid his battle with cancer.
It is understood that doctors advised the monarch, 75, to inspect the solders from a carriage rather than on horseback.
While Charles is personally keen to ride his horse, Noble, a black mare gifted to him by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, concerns have been raised about how strenuous this could be as he continues treatment for cancer.
Andrew, briefly colonel of the Grenadiers, took part in just two Troopings (pictured in 2019) but had to undergo intensive preparation for his time in the saddle, a shock for a naval man
King Charles departs from Buckingham Palace for Trooping the Colour in 2023
It is understood that doctors advised the monarch, 75, to inspect the solders from a carriage rather than on horseback
Glorious scenes down the Mall during Trooping the Colour in London on June 17, 2023
Trooping the Colour was held at Windsor Castle in front of the Queen on June 12, 2021
Queen Elizabeth herself attended the event in a carriage after 1987.
Prince William will be joining his father in the traditional event which dates all the way back to the 17th century.
And there is speculation that Catherine, Princess of Wales, will join other members of the Royal Family on the Buckingham Palace balcony to watch the RAF fly-past.
The Princess apologised for missing out on a key rehearsal last weekend, writing in a letter to the Irish Guards: 'I hope I am able to represent you all very soon.'
Rebecca English, The Daily Mail's Royal Editor, suggested to this week's Palace Confidential that an appearance from Kate should not be completely ruled out amid 'persistent rumours' she might appear on the balcony.
'What's very interesting, is that when I've asked both Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace about it this week, it's been not saying a word,' said the royal expert.
She continued: 'I mean look, if she is there. Fantastic. People will be delighted to see her. If she isn't, don't read anything into it because she never said she would be. I think it will be a bonus.'
There is speculation that Catherine, Princess of Wales (centre), will join other members of the Royal Family on the Buckingham Palace balcony to watch the RAF fly-past as she is pictured doing in 2023
The Princess of Wales wrote a letter to the Irish Guards, saying: 'I hope I am able to represent you all very soon'
Last year, young Prince Louis stole the show as he gave a cheeky salute to the adoring crowds on the balcony.
He was also seen throwing his fists in the air and pouting as his mother Kate looked at him with pride and amusement.
Royal fans have told of their excitement ahead of tomorrow's event - and are hoping to see Kate 'if she is up for it'.
