'I'm a royal expert - Andrew has been shown sympathy by two senior Royal Family members'

Disgraced royal Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was spotted at the Sandringham Horse Driving Trials, where he appeared to receive sympathy from senior Royal Family members, according to royal experts.

The former Duke of York was observed on the King's Norfolk estate near Marsh Farm, where he currently resides. He maintained a discreet presence, observing from a secluded spot before departing quietly in his Land Rover Defender shortly after the Duchess of Edinburgh finished her carriage-driving event.

Speaking on the Palace Confidential podcast, Daily Mail royal editor Rebecca English said: "He suddenly popped up at the Sandringham horse trials where the Duchess of Edinburgh was competing in carriage driving. The Duke of Edinburgh was there and he Andrew was seen in his cart sunglasses on trying to keep a low profile but he was spotted stayed for a little bit and then went off." She added: "It shows he's going out and about a little bit but still trying not to be spotted."

However, Richard Kay, Editor-at-Large of the Daily Mail, cautioned against reading too much significance into the appearance. "One of the key things that was missing of course in this little outing was a picture of him with his brother or sister-in-law and that did not happen and I don't think it will happen," he said. "I don't think this is a major thaw. It is as Rebecca pointed out an event that was on the Sandringham estate where Andrew now lives in exile. So I don't think anyone has any objections to him trundling along to look at a family event but no I don't think it has any huge significance yet."

Conversely, Richard Eden, royal commentator and Daily Mail diary editor, suggested the appearance demonstrated ongoing backing from certain family members. "This is his family. This is his brother and his sister-in-law showing sympathy and solidarity for him," he said.

A witness told The Sun: "Andrew sneaked in and sneaked out and definitely didn't want to be seen. I saw Andrew leave the field at 10.30am just after Sophie had ridden her round then I saw Edward walking towards his car smiling shortly afterwards."

The appearance follows claims that Edward and Sophie became the first senior royals to call on Andrew at Marsh Farm after his move from Royal Lodge in Windsor, with the visit characterised as a brotherly welfare check.