Prince Andrew was today pictured making a solo appearance playing golf in the Scottish Highlands, while Prince William and the Duke’s daughter Beatrice attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace.
The Duke of York was seen this morning in a navy blue jumper with a gray baseball cap on the Castle Stuart track near Inverness.
Andrew was joined by three other players on the course’s picturesque grounds as four men, dressed in red with white vests and red caps, caddied for the foursome.
The 64-year-old spent some time lining up a shot near a water feature on the course as the other members of the group looked on.
The royal, who also wore blue trousers and a maroon polo shirt under his jumper, could be seen grimacing slightly as he walked along after playing the shot on the immaculately mown grass.
Prince Andrew pictured himself playing golf at Castle Stuart, near Inverness, this morning. The Duke made a solo appearance in the Scottish Highlands, while Prince William and Princess Beatrice attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace
Andrew was shooting with two other golfers on the course this morning. The Duke of York was seen wearing a navy blue jumper with a gray baseball cap
The Duke of York pictured himself rolling up his sleeves today as the sun shone on the golf course
Prince William didn’t let the weather spoil his fun at Buckingham Palace
Sisters Princess Beatrice and Eugenie got together for the Sovereign’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace
Later, Andrew decided to roll up the sleeves of his outer layer as the sun shone on the idyllic Highlands terrain.
The Duke’s tour came as the younger royals showed their support earlier in the day by hosting a garden party at Buckingham Palace in his absence.
Led by the Prince of Wales, who made his first appearance at the palace this summer, the glamorous party also included his cousins Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Zara Tindall – accompanied by her husband Mike – and Peter Philips.
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester were also present.
The monarch often assigns the responsibility of organizing one of the annual garden parties to family members, or allows them to organize one themselves for charities with which they are closely associated.
William also organized an event last year.
But with his father still undergoing treatment for cancer – as does his wife, the Princess of Wales – William’s presence, alongside the king’s nieces and nephew, will inevitably be seen as a sign of family unity in a difficult time.
Sources have previously indicated that the presence of the Duke of York’s daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, should not be taken as a sign that they will take on more public engagements or become part-time working royals.
Prince Andrew was pictured today playing golf at Castle Stuart with a few others
Andrew was joined by three other players on the course’s picturesque grounds, while four men, dressed in red with white vests and red caps, caddied for the foursome.
Andrew imagined himself walking the picturesque course in the Highlands this morning
The Duke’s tour came as the younger royals showed their support for the King earlier today by hosting a garden party at Buckingham Palace in his absence.
Prince Andrew was seen strolling across the immaculately manicured grass of Stuart Castle earlier today
Both have other jobs and charitable interests outside the institution, but were always invited by their grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, to occasionally attend garden parties or larger receptions at Buckingham Palace. It is a custom that the king wants to maintain.
The 75-year-old Charles has a full agenda with public appointments except for one day this week, despite his wife, Queen Camilla, often urging him to take it easy.
As the king continues to undergo treatment, each assignment is carefully tailored to balance his desire to work and his health.
From 3 p.m., guests began filing in to enjoy the tea tents and palace grounds, despite the gray skies and rain.
Around 8,000 people are invited to each party, nominated by sponsors including Lord Lieutenants, government departments, charities, the military and faith groups.
The royal party will arrive, as usual, at 4pm on the terrace at the back of the palace via The Carnarvon Room.
The royal family was accompanied by a large group of golfers and caddies, but was far removed from the royal action today
Prince Andrew pictured himself walking to his next shot on the golf course in Scotland this morning
Prince William was accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, along with the young royals
Zara Tindall spoke to guests who seemed happy to meet Princess Anne’s daughter
Prince Andrew’s daughters joined forces today to support their cousin William
They stood for the national anthem before being escorted to the lawn before walking through various ‘alleys’ accompanied by gentleman ushers to meet as many members of the public as possible.
During the garden party, William will meet guests from a number of patronages, military connections and passion projects of both himself and his wife, including his Homewards initiative to tackle homelessness, RAF Valley (the Welsh base where the Prince worked as an RAF Search and Rescue pilot ), Swim England and tenants in the Duchy of Cornwall.
The inclusion of people with links to the Princess of Wales suggests that when planning for the garden party began last year, Kate was expected to attend.
