THE Royal Family has today celebrated Prince Andrew’s 60th birthday with a baby photo after the disgraced duke stepped back from his duties.
The Duke of York’s milestone birthday comes amid a turbulent few weeks for the royals, including two divorces and revelations Prince Harry and Meghan Markle would have to give up using the Sussex Royal brand.
And Prince Andrew himself has been under increased scrutiny in recent months for his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.
But despite the dramas, the Royal Family today posted a birthday message on Instagram to mark the day.
In the post, The Royal Family wrote: “On this day in 1960, Prince Andrew was born at Buckingham Palace, the first child born to a reigning monarch for 103 years.
“Happy Birthday to The Duke of York.”
It comes as Prince Andrew was sacked from royal duties after increased scrutiny over his relationship with paedo Jeffrey Epstein.
And theDaily Mail claimed his fall from grace had seen a sharp decline in those willing to celebrate his 60th birthday tonight.
It was reported a number of guests have said they were “unavailable” for tonight’s festivities.
And this has reportedly led to Fergie’s assistant Jane Clarke having to send out more invitations to fill seats.
The cocktail dress celebrations will be held at the Royal Lodge on Wednesday night.
PrinceHarryandMeghanMarkle are reportedlyamong those who have snubbed an invite to the birthday party.
More controversy around Andrew’s dinner boiled over earlier this monthwhen it was revealed an email was sent to councils reminding them to fly the flag for the prince’s birthday on February 19.
But the policy had since been changed, with the government saying there is “no requirement” to fly flags for Prince Andrew.
UNDER SCRUTINY
The royal was sacked from his royal duties following a now-infamous Newsnight interview, in which he failed to adequately explain his relationship with financier and convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and was accused of showing a lack of empathy with Epstein’s victims.
The financier was found dead in jail last year while awaiting trial for sex trafficking offences.
In January, authorities announced Andrew has refused to cooperate with federal investigators as they continue their probe into Epstein.
Meanwhile, the Queen was hit by news of second Royal divorce this week.
The Earl of Snowdon announced he and his wife are set to split.
It comes six days after the Queen’s grandson Peter Phillipsannounced his divorce from wife Autumn.
Although Andrew has stepped back from most of his public-facing duties,he will walk his daughter Beatrice down the aisle during her wedding in May.
It was previously claimed Beatrice had held off onconfirming a date for her nuptials due to the scrutiny her father was under.
In a post on the Queen’sInstagramaccount, it was revealed that theeldest daughter, 31,of Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York will wed herproperty developer fianc, 37, on Friday May 29.
