Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor spotted joining Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh at Sandringham event

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor emerged from his Sandringham exile on Sunday for his first public appearance since being banished from Royal Lodge earlier this year.

The 66-year-old former Duke of York, who was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office in February, attended the Sandringham Horse Driving Trials on the King's estate.

He appeared to offer moral support to his sister-in-law Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, who was competing in the event.

Witnesses reported that Andrew maintained an extremely low profile throughout the morning.

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He departed the grounds at approximately 10.30am, moments after Sophie completed her round in the competition.

According to onlookers, the former royal was determined to avoid detection during his brief visit to the annual event.

One witness at the scene told The Sun: "Andrew sneaked in and sneaked out and definitely didn't want to be seen."

Rather than positioning himself near the main arena where spectators gathered, he is believed to have watched the competition from a concealed spot beneath the trees.

The eyewitness recounted: "But I saw Andrew leave the field at 10.30am, just after Sophie had ridden her round, then I saw Edward walking towards his car smiling shortly afterwards."

His brother Edward, dressed casually in an open-necked polo shirt, departed shortly after Andrew.

The Duchess of Edinburgh, 61, cut an elegant figure in a long cream jacket paired with a navy blue floral skirt and a straw boater hat.

She participated in the SanDrivingHam Challenge, a competition designed to demonstrate the expertise of driver, groom and passengers across multiple sections.

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Unlike her husband and brother-in-law, Sophie remained at the event throughout the afternoon.

She was subsequently spotted presenting awards to the competition's victors.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are understood to have been residing at King Charles's Wood Farm property during the three-day event, situated adjacent to Andrew's residence.

Their daughter Lady Louise, who typically participates in the trials, was absent this year.

Andrew was evicted from Royal Lodge in February amid the deepening Jeffrey Epstein scandal and relocated to Marsh Farm on the Sandringham estate, which has undergone extensive renovation.

Days following his move, the 66-year-old was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office.

He has since been prohibited from riding horses on the King's grounds and has seldom been spotted in public.

Edward is believed to have been the first member of the Royal Family to visit his accused brother when he travelled to Sandringham over Easter.

King Charles, 77, has stayed at the estate on several occasions since February but is not thought to have seen Andrew.

Neither of Andrew's daughters, Beatrice nor Eugenie, are thought to have visited their father during his exile.

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