Ranvir Singh is filling in for the usual host Lorraine Kelly, who’s off enjoying her festive break. On the show this Tuesday (December 17), the ex-GMB political guru was discussing upcoming segments with fashionista Mark Heyes and writer Bryony Gordon when the conversation took a Royal turn.
They delved into reports that Prince Andrew has opted out of joining the Royal Family at Sandringham for Christmas. The stand-in presenter shared that it’s now anticipated Prince Andrew will “honourably withdraw” from the Royal Christmas gatherings to avoid causing a stir.
This follows claims that Sarah Ferguson (Fergie) had a hand in nudging the Duke of York towards the “gentlemanly thing”. It’s believed that Prince Andrew will spend Christmas Day at his Windsor residence after reports claimed his alleged link to a Chinese operative, identified in a High Court ruling as Yang Tengbo, also known as Chris Yang, who’s been barred from entering Britain.
Yang, the Chinese entrepreneur, refuted espionage allegations in a Monday statement, asserting his innocence and adherence to the law, reports the Mirror.
In their televised discussion, Ranvir seemed puzzled over why Prince Andrew hadn’t felt compelled to step back from family holiday events off of his own back, hinting that Fergie might have been instrumental in his decision. During a segment on the ITV programme, the host revealed: “The newspapers are reporting that Prince Andrew will not be joining the rest of the Royal Family for Christmas in Sandringham after his alleged links to this Chinese Spy were revealed.”
She continued: “The story in the news is obviously one thing, but this idea of being slightly ex-communicated from your family on the big day is actually not that uncommon.” Bryony found humour in the situation, remarking: “It’s probably the most relatable thing about Prince Andrew and there isn’t much. But the idea that apparently he’s excused himself.”
Ranvir then interjected to clarify: “But apparently Sarah Ferguson has given him…” However, she was cut off before finishing as Bryony quickly responded: “Yes apparently she is his go-between and obviously Princess Beatrix and Eugene were doing some hard work by choosing to spend Christmas with their in-laws, which kind of makes the decision easier.”
Quoting a newspaper from today, the presenter noted: “Some are saying this morning that Sarah Ferguson is understood to have made Andrew, 64, do the ‘gentlemanly thing’ and to not embarrass the King at the Christmas morning gathering.”
Ranvir Singh shared her personal experience with family dilemmas, saying: “I have done that thing where in my family, I’ve just gone, ‘Right, there’s a bit of crisis’ and I’ve just gone, ‘That person is going to make life difficult – do I really want to be there? Do you know what, I’ll just duck out.'”
She added: “I feel sorry for the hosts often in these situations. It’s like a wedding or any big gathering where there’s a bit of family dysfunction and you just think, ‘Do I really have to make a statement by being there?'”
Discussing Prince Andrew’s situation, she pondered: “I suppose that’s the question. Does Andrew want to make a statement by being there? Thinking ‘I deserve to be there’ and throwing his toys out of the pram and has somebody just gone ‘it’s just better if you just take yourself out of the situation and be nice to the hosts and make it easy on them.'” She then admitted: “And I have done that before.”
Bryony Gordon humorously remarked: “It’s an unusual example of Prince Andrew doing the right thing. I think also it’s the best advice for Christmas.” Continuing to read from the papers, Ranvir spoke about reports claiming Prince Andrew is not withdrawing from all Royal festive events this year.
She stated: “It was reported that Prince Andrew wouldn’t be stepping down from all Royal festive events this year.” Ranvir relayed on air the newspaper’s comment, reading: “Defiant Andrew still intends to rub shoulders with Charles and William at a pre-Christmas gathering at Buckingham Palace this Thursday.” She mentioned that the images would be seen ‘around the world’.
“That’s interesting isn’t it,” Bryony replied.
Lorraine airs weekdays on ITV1, from 9am.