Not many of those invited to Prince Andrew's birthday bash have accepted the invitation. Photo / Getty Images
Not many of those invited to Prince Andrew's birthday bash have accepted the invitation. Photo / Getty Images
The royal family celebrated Prince Andrew's 60th birthday today with an Instagram post some are calling "inappropriate" due to the circumstances in which he stepped down from royal duties.
The post featured a photo of Andrew as a baby and read: "On this day in 1960, Prince Andrew was bornat Buckingham Palace, the first child born to a reigning monarch for 103 years.
It's been reported that a number of those invited have said they're "unavailable" for the festivities.
Andrew's ex-wife Sarah Ferguson is "scrambling" to gather the numbers for the event, it's been claimed, as her assistant Jane Clarke has been forced to send out more invites to fill up seats.
The cocktail celebrations will be held at the Royal Lodge. It's a downsized version of the party that was originally planned for the milestone birthday.
Andrew fell from favour after his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein was revealed. Photo / File
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are said to be among those who have declined to attend, as it's believed they'll send a gift and a video message to be played at the event instead.
More debate around Andrew's birthday was had earlier in the month, when it was revealed that reminders were sent to UK councils about flying the flag for the prince's birthday on February 19.
But the flag policy had since been changed, as the government said there was "no requirement" to fly the flag for the prince.
He was effectively sacked following his disastrous BBC interview in which he defended his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
