Prince Andrew heads to Windsor alone amid 'split' from Beatrice and Eugenie

His decision to stay away from Sandringham follows recent headlines concerning his connections with alleged Chinese spy Yang Tengbo.

The duke will instead spend Christmas Day at Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park, the home he continues to share with his ex-wife Sarah, Duchess of York, despite reported attempts by King Charles to evict them.

Sarah will also miss the Sandringham celebrations, choosing to spend Christmas Day with Prince Andrew at Royal Lodge.

The decision appears to have eased tensions within the Royal Family, as reports suggested the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh had been "less than pleased" at the prospect of being "cheek by jowl with the Yorks" during the festivities, according to reports in The Sun.

This year's gathering at the King's private Norfolk estate is expected to be one of the largest family celebrations in recent years.

Prince Andrew has also "split" from his daughters for Christmas, with the two Princesses of York originally planning to spend the festive season with their respective in-laws.

However, Princess Beatrice, 36, who is currently expecting her second child, executed a royal U-turn after receiving medical advice to avoid travelling abroad.

As a result, she will be joining the King and the wider Royal Family in Norfolk for Christmas, while her parents spend the season in Windsor.

Princess Eugenie is still planning on celebrating Christmas with her husband Jack Brooksbank and his family.

King Charles was seen waving to well-wishers outside St Mary Magdalene Church on Sunday, dressed in a brown tweed coat and carrying an umbrella.

Former Royal correspondent Jennie Bond described Andrew as a "pariah" within the family, suggesting he had exhausted the patience shown towards him by his older brother King Charles after numerous scandals.

"The King is a kind soul and Andrew is his brother. He would have hated to be put in the position of having to un-invite him or ban him from what promises to be a big family get-together," Bond told OK! magazine.

Bond further explained: "It seems quite likely Andrew sat down with Fergie, and possibly his daughters, to discuss the best solution."

"Thankfully, wise heads have prevailed and he obviously realised his presence at Sandringham would be an embarrassing distraction on a day which - this year of all years - should be all about the King and Catherine," she added.

The former royal correspondent's comments suggest Andrew's decision to stay away from the family gathering was the most appropriate choice given the circumstances.

This self-imposed absence from the royal Christmas celebrations appears to have prevented what could have been an uncomfortable situation for the family during one of their most significant gatherings of the year.