In many ways, this could not have come at a worse time for the Duke of York.
There he was, strolling to church on Christmas Day, back in the bosom of his family. Not only had he been publicly welcomed back into the fold but his former wife the Duchess of York, with whom he still lives, was also invited to join the annual show of family unity for the first time since 1992.
While most observers noted the presence of a visibly delighted Fergie, Prince Andrew barely got a mention – and this, after years of hugely damaging headlines concerning his ill-advised relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and allegations of sexual abuse, was progress.
