for the first time this year, taking a number of royal fans by surprise. The Duke of York, 65, has been seen less and less in public over the last few years following a number of scandals, with the most recent being his previous friendship with a suspected Chinese spy.

However, his return to public royal appearances yesterday has made one royal expert believe it is "only a matter of time" before he makes a full return to royal life. Royal expert Phil Dampier told : "It was very much a show of family unity."

"He's (Andrew) not totally out in the cold, but I think it's too early to say it's any kind of comeback for him."

Mr Dampier continued: "It is absolutely true to say that William is one of the driving forces behind making sure there's no future for the Duke of York.

"He doesn't believe he can make a comeback, and there is, I'm told, quite a lot of friction between them. It made it a lot easier, I think, for Andrew that William wasn't there."

The Duke looked nervous yesterday as he arrived at St George's Chapel in Windsor for the Easter Sunday service. He was accompanied by his ex wife Sarah Ferguson, who he still lives with at Royal Lodge in Windsor.

Andrew's two daughters and also arrived at the service with their husbands, along with other members of the Royal Family.

The Duke avoided looking at the cameras and did not spend time meeting members of the public after the service, instead heading straight towards Windsor Castle.

It is believed the duke would have also attended the Royal Family's Easter lunch after the church service, hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla.