A royal editor revealed what left her stunned during Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s final public appearance as a Prince, before relinquishing his titles
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor made his last public appearance with the Royal Family back in September, ahead of being stripped of his titles. Formerly known as Prince Andrew, the 65-year-old stood alongside Prince William and King Charles as he paid his respects to the late Duchess of Kent at her funeral.
While stood on the steps of Westminster Cathedral however, the Daily Mail’s royal editor Rebecca English picked up on a surprising exchange between Andrew and his nephew.
Speaking on the Daily Mail Royals’ YouTube channel, the publication’s Richard Eden said: “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.
“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.”
According to body language expert Judi James, Prince William’s “non-verbal responses” suggested awkwardness and a desire to reject his uncle’s conversation. Speaking to the publication, she went on to describe Andrew’s facial expression as a “smug-looking smile” as he tried to coax a reply.
Fast forward the weeks and Buckingham Palace announced that the brother of King Charles had relinquished his Prince and Duke titles, and will leave his Windsor mansion, Royal Lodge.
The decision came following continuous controversy over his links to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He has always strongly denied any wrongdoing.
Buckingham Palace’s statement read: “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.
“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.
“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 understood that Andrew will relocate to the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, though specific details about his housing arrangement have not been released.
The father-of-two has been living at the 30-room mansion for more than 20 years with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson. According to reports, the former Duchess could now be set to move into a villa in Portugal, owned by their youngest daughter Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank.
A resident on the Costa Terra resort told Express.co.uk: “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.”
