Kate Middleton 'refused' to invite Prince Andrew to her annual royal event despite normally being on guest list

Every year, the Princess of Wales hosts her annual Christmas carol service, which is usually televised on Christmas Eve.

Last year, Kate was joined by husband Prince William and their children - Princes George and Louis, and Princess Charlotte.

Though King Charles III and Queen Camilla remained at home - both getting over health woes - countless other members of the institution showed up to the special event. However, spectators noticed that there was one regular attendee who was missing from the guest list.

According to reports, Kate decided it was best not to invite the individual - who was once considered a high-profile member of the Royal Family.

People were quick to notice that Prince Andrew was missing from the event and, according to royal columnist Ephraim Hardcastle, Kate decided not to invite her uncle-in-law.

Kate Middleton holds the carol service every year (Justin Goff Photos/Getty Images)

Hardcastle began by explaining that, whilst Charles may have extended an invite for Andrew to spend Christmas with he and Camilla in Sandringham last year, the Wales' decided to keep their distance.

"William and Kate aren't sharing the love," he penned. "A mole whispers that for the second year running, suggestions that Andrew be invited to Kate's annual carol service, possibly seated behind a pillar, were rejected."

The royal expert added: "Although very much a family affair... there was no space for Uncle Andy."

Tyla has reached out to Kensington Palace for comment.

Earlier this month, Prince Andrew took a further step away from the Royal Family amid controversy over his connections to Jeffrey Epstein.

Prince William and the children were also in attendance (Justin Goff Photos/Getty Images)

He announced he was no longer using his royal titles, including the 'Duke of York' title.

A statement from Andrew released on October 17 read: "In discussion with The King, and my immediate and wider family, we have concluded the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family.

"I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first. I stand by my decision five years ago to stand back from public life.

"With His Majesty’s agreement, we feel I must now go a step further. I will therefore no longer use my title or the honours which have been conferred upon me. As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me."

Prince Andrew was reportedly not invited (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

In another update, Prince Andrew's banner, which bears his coat of arms, has been removed from Windsor Castle.

The red, blue, white and yellow flag represents Andrew's membership of the Order of the Garter. Andrew was given the banner when he became a Knight of the Garter back in 2006.

The Sun claim that the banner was on display on Saturday (October 19) but removed on Wednesday (October 22).