A witness was left gobsmacked after an exchange between the future king and his uncle in September – in what turned out to be Andrew’s last public appearance with the Royal Family
Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, made his final public appearance with the Royal Family in September before he was sensationally stripped of his titles.
The 65-year-old was seen alongside Prince William and King Charles paying tribute to the late Duchess of Kent at her funeral. However, an intriguing interaction between Andrew and his nephew on the steps of Westminster Cathedral caught the attention of the Daily Mail’s Royal editor Rebecca English.
Richard Eden, from the same publication, shared on the Daily Mail Royals’ YouTube channel: “Her jaw dropped when Andrew attempted to make conversation with William on the steps of Westminster Cathedral.
“This frosty exchange made headlines, but to me, this was the precise moment we saw William’s intention to oust Andrew in the coming weeks.”
He added: “After the funeral, Andrew could be seen muttering a few words to William who appears to decline to engage in the conversation and only gives a brief nod in response.”
While body language expert Judi James analysed the interaction for the publication, suggesting that Prince William’s “non-verbal responses” indicated discomfort and a reluctance to engage with his uncle’s conversation.
She described Andrew’s facial expression as a “smug-looking smile” as he tried to elicit a response, reports the Mirror.
In the following weeks, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles’ brother had renounced his Prince and Duke titles and would vacate his Windsor residence, the Royal Lodge.
The move follows persistent controversy surrounding his association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, although he has consistently and vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
In a statement, Buckingham Palace announced: “His Majesty has today initiated a formal process to remove the Style, Titles and Honours of Prince Andrew. Prince Andrew will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.”
The Palace further stated, “Formal notice has now been served to surrender the lease and he will move to alternative private accommodation. These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him.”
Additionally, the Palace expressed its sympathies, saying, “Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.”
It is believed that Andrew will relocate to the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, although specific details regarding his accommodation arrangements remain undisclosed.
The father-of-two has resided in the 30-room mansion for over two decades alongside his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson. Reports suggest that the former Duchess may now move into a villa in Portugal owned by their youngest daughter, Princess Eugenie, and her husband, Jack Brooksbank.
A local at the Costa Terra resort revealed to Express: “The word here is that Fergie will be arriving sometime in January. How long she’ll stay is anyone’s guess but if it’s a long-term move, I can guarantee she’ll fit well into the social scene. Scores of celebrities and Hollywood stars have been snapping up properties in the area.”
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