The annual Royal Christmas in Sandringham is a grand multi-day celebration. Prince Andreu, who stepped down from his royal duties after being accused of sexual assault, is always invited to spend the holidays with his family. However, one royal expert believes he may use the “perfect reason” to stay home this year.

Former BBC royal reporter Jenny Bond told OK! (via Yahoo) that amid the drama surrounding the Duke of York, “I can't help but think that life would be a lot easier if the Yorks started their own festivities at Christmas.”

She noted that with Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice both married and having children of their own, having grandchildren and in-laws “makes life more complicated.” Add Prince William and Kate Middleton's children, Zara Tindall's three children, and her brother Peter Phillips' two daughters, and Christmas (even on royal grounds) is a busy time.

Bond said, “It is becoming unbearable to have a large royal family all under one roof at Sandringham.... We have to consider Camilla's family in particular.”

Nevertheless, a royal commentator said, “Andrew's own extended family would give him and Sarah the perfect reason to avoid Sandringham.” Princess Eugenie is mom to 3-year-old August and 1-year-old Ernest, and Princess Beatrice, who is expecting her second child in the spring, has daughter Siena (3) and stepdaughter Wolfie (8) with husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.

“Beatrice and Eugenie are very protective of their parents,” Bond added of the York girls, who reportedly spend many weekends with their father in his battle to save the Royal Lodge from ruin.

However, there is no doubt that Royal Christmas is out of the question for Prince Andrew, and royal experts claim that “Andrew still seems enthusiastic” about the family tradition of celebrating at Sandringham. Bond noted that the Duke of York and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, who still live together at the Royal Lodge, “will almost certainly be invited to share in the King and Queen's celebrations.”

The Express previously reported that the King would invite his brother despite their disagreement because he is “adamant about maintaining family unity, especially during the Christmas season.”

Bond added that Andrew and Fergie usually stay at nearby Wood Farm rather than at the “main house,” so they can always celebrate nearby. The King is not a vindictive person, “she added,” and said he “would always extend an invitation for Andrew and his family. To find out if the Duke of York will be participating in the traditional Royal Christmas walk, click here.