Prince Andrew looks sombre as he’s spotted horse-riding in Windsor

Prince Andrew looked gloomy this morning as he was spotted horse riding in Windsor – after his ex-wife revealed he is ‘lonely’ following the death of his parents.

The 63-year-old Duke of York braved the rain and was pictured leisurely cruising the grounds of the Windsor estate with some companions.

The royal family wore a helmet and wax jacket for the excursion this morning.

The 63-year-old Duchess of York recently opened up about her ex-husband’s grief, saying he missed them dearly as they both passed away within 17 months of each other.

The late Queen died in September last year, while Prince Phillip passed away in April.

Andrew was seen with his companions looking very sad at one point as he is revealed to be lonely

Andrew – who is known for enjoying his rides – was spotted in the early morning at his huge estate in Windsor

Speaking on her Tea Talks podcast, which she hosts with friend Sarah Thomson, the mother-of-two explained that the pair shared a candid conversation about their feelings during a poignant walk with the late Queen’s corgis.

“It was actually really wonderful to have a moment to really remember because at this time last year the Queen would have gone to Balmoral and we would have walked exactly where we walked together yesterday, and then the Queen would have said “See you in Scotland,” she said.

“It was actually very moving and at one point both of us, Andrew and I, just sat quietly under some really nice trees and I kind of asked him if he was okay without his mom and dad.

‘He said… it’s lonely, you know. He thinks about it a lot… It’s kind of like people process grief in their own way, and it’s not just him… he’s a human like everyone else.’

The Duchess also agreed with her co-host, who suggested that Andrew’s hardships could become even greater as he lost both parents in a short period of time.

Prince Philip was 99 when he died in — and just over a year later, his wife passed away at age 96.

“I think that’s the hard part,” she added. “His grief must be an even bigger hole.”

Sarah added that she found experiencing grief “interesting” because of its tumultuous nature.

Andrew looked cheerful at times during his ride with his companions on their helmets

Andrew looked cheerful at times, despite the fact that his ex-wife has said that he is very lonely without his parents

“It comes up in tidal waves,” she explained. “Then it goes away, and you cry and you’re sad, and then you just carry on and the next day it’s okay, or the next minute.”

Meanwhile, the Duke of York is also supporting Fergie in her fight against cancer.

The Duchess of York, who goes by the name ‘Fergie’, revealed that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and had a successful mastectomy at King Edward VII’s Hospital in London.

Back home in Royal Lodge, Windsor, where she lives with ex-husband Prince Andrew, she has the full support of her family.

In her Tea Talks with the Duchess and Sarah podcast, released today, she said she didn’t feel she had been “brave” or “courageous.”

Meanwhile, she shared how Beatrice and Eugenie had reacted to her diagnosis, saying, “I think it’s scary for every family member out there, you really start to look at your own demise.” It’s a wake-up call and you think: how am I going to handle this?’

She explained that her daughter Beatrice picked out her outfit for her, adding, “I have to say it’s really just extraordinary to come to terms with a new you.”

“You can’t be satisfied with yourself or life or how lucky you are.”

She continued, “It is very important that my father was right: the show must go on.

“But watch every word you say, be gentle with yourself and people, and be very thankful.”