The controversial appearance of Prince Andrew at the memorial of his father Prince Philip is said to have "completely overshadowed a beautiful service", a royal expert has claimed.

Omid Scobie, one of the authors of the book on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Finding Freedom, took to Twitter to share his frustration with the latest headlines from the memorial for Prince Philip.

He showed front pages from across the UK that had featured the appearance of the Duke of York standing alongside the Queen which sparked outrage following his sex case settlement.

Despite Prince Andrew denying all allegations against him and the settlement not being an admission of guilt, his presence at the ceremony for his own father appeared to "overshadow" the service for the Duke of Edinburgh

Scobie tweeted: "His presence was always going to be controversial, but Prince Andrew taking on the self-appointed role of consort for the day has completely overshadowed a beautiful service."

Referencing reports the Queen may have needed to use a wheelchair to access the Abbey, he added: "And to think just a week ago palace sources were fretting about the optics of a *wheelchair*."

The event at Westminster Abbey is the Duke of York's first public appearance since he settled a civil sex case with accuser Virginia Giuffre.

It is also the first time he has made an appearance since he was stripped off his military titles at the start of this year.

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Some fans have since expressed their outrage on social media, with others even calling for the monarchy to be abolished.

Non-profit organisation Republic said on Twitter: "In the past the Queen being seen with her favourite son has been interpreted as a show of support for Andrew.

"They think paying someone off to avoid asking difficult questions in court means it's all over."

Another person said: "Its disgusting to see Prince Andrew sat with the queen especially when Prince Harry was not allowed to be there. Harry fought for her country… I’ll say no more!"

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A third user commented: "It’s clearer than ever that the royal family is completely out of touch and it’s about time we #AbolishTheMonarchy."

Another person said that the choice for Andrew to accompany his mother was an insult to victims of sexual abuse.

"Prince Andrew walking the Queen into Westminster Abbey is a slap in the face for victims of sexual abuse & proof (if ever needed) that the elite think they live under different rules. The monarchy must go – it is central to maintaining class division."

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