Royal family release new portrait of Prince Andrew for his 60th birthday

Government buildings will not fly flag this year after he stepped away from royal duties.
Government buildings will not fly flag this year after he stepped away from royal duties. Photo credit: The Royal Family/Twitter

The royal family has released a new portrait for Prince Andrew to mark his 60th birthday.

His February 19 birthday was acknowledged by the palace on their social media last night with a photo of the Duke of York as a baby and a recent formal portrait.

The caption said "On this day in 1960, Prince Andrew was born at Buckingham Palace, the first child born to a reigning monarch for 103 years. Happy Birthday to The Duke of York".

Sarah Fergusson posted her own tribute photo of her former husband to her Twitter account where she wished him a "Happy 60th Birthday" in a short message along with a photo. 

Her more relaxed black and white image showed the Prince at home with his two Norfolk terriers.

It is believed to have been taken at the former couple's home Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park. 

United Kingdom-based broadcaster Neil Sean told Fox News the Duke would have a small dinner at the residence to celebrate the occasion, rather than a lavish event like he had for his 50th birthday.

Prince Andrew has been keeping a low profile due to drama from his relationship with the late sex offender Jeffery Epstein.

After his "disastrous" interview with BBC last year, the Duke stepped away from Royal duties and has rarely been seen since.

ITV News reported Government buildings will not fly the Union flag to mark his birthday because he stepped aside from royal duty.

"The Department of Culture, Media and Sport will be advising councils that there is no requirement to fly flags on February 19 following the decision by the Duke of York to step back from public duties for the foreseeable future," they reported.

But a spokesperson for Westminster Abbey said the traditional ringing of the bells would still go ahead.