Prince Andrew drew headlines once again as he made a rare public appearance at the Duchess of Kent’s funeral, stepping back into the royal spotlight after keeping a low profile.
While the service inside Westminster Cathedral remained dignified, the atmosphere outside told a different story.
Tense Family Dynamics
As the royals exited the cathedral, attention quickly turned to how senior members interacted with Andrew. According to the Daily Mail, Prince William in particular appeared visibly uncomfortable—jaw tight, posture rigid, and his expression leaving little doubt about his feelings.
The tension deepened when Andrew tried to make small talk with his nephew. In the footage, William glanced at him briefly before fixing his gaze ahead, rubbing his nose, and rocking on his heels as if hoping to avoid prolonging the exchange.
As family bid farewell after yesterday’s royal catholic funeral for the Duchess of Kent, Prince Andrew appears to want to strike up conversation with his nephew & says something he finds funny.
William has no desire to respond.
In fact, he doesn’t say a single word… 👇 pic.twitter.com/cywSFAIbFM— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) September 17, 2025
What Andrew Said
Lip reader Jacqui Press analyzed the video and claimed Andrew’s words were carefully neutral. He reportedly remarked, “It was a beautiful service,” followed by the classic British observation: “Aren’t we lucky with the weather today?” Despite his attempt at polite conversation, William’s body language suggested he wasn’t keen to engage.
Andrew was not entirely isolated. Press noted that he exchanged a few words with his sister, Princess Anne. At one point, Anne appeared to gesture and say, “Let’s walk this way,” while Andrew asked, “Shall [we] go that way and we can leave there?” Their interaction offered a rare glimpse of warmth amid an otherwise frosty reception.
The Shadow of Scandal
Andrew’s appearances at royal events remain fraught. Since stepping back from public duties over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, any display of closeness with senior royals carries reputational risks. On September 4, U.S. Republican congresswoman Nancy Mace publicly called for Andrew’s criminal prosecution, echoing the demands of Epstein’s victims and reigniting a scandal the monarchy has struggled to move past.
For King Charles, the renewed attention comes at an inconvenient time. With Donald and Melania Trump visiting the UK on a state trip, Page Six reported that the King was left embarrassed by Andrew’s name once again dominating headlines. Determined to keep the focus on strengthening ties with Washington, Charles ensured his brother was nowhere near the guest list for the state banquet.
Optics That Tell a Story
At the funeral, Andrew lingered awkwardly at the cathedral doorway as others moved ahead in solemn procession, his presence contrasting with the unity displayed by the rest of the family. While he wasn’t completely without allies, the optics underscored his ongoing isolation and the delicate balancing act the monarchy faces whenever he steps into public view.