The Prince of Wales reportedly gave the Duke of York a “scolding” at the Duchess of Kent’s funeral, with William trying to shield the “reprimand” from the eyes of the public
Prince William allegedly gave Prince Andrew a “secret scolding” as the Duchess of Kent’s funeral drew to a close, with the awkward moment catching the attention of royal onlookers.
The congregation at Westminster Cathedral gasped when Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson showed up at the funeral, with the Duke of York then sidling up to his nephew on the steps of the church for the final procession.
Andrew tried to speak to his nephew, laughing and smiling as he attempted to make conversation, with William awkwardly not responding and trying to turn away from his disgraced uncle, before he covered his mouth and appeared to subtly say something to the Duke of York who abruptly stopped grinning.
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In a video from outside Westminster Cathedral, William appeared to be warning Andrew that his laughter at such a solemn occasion was “not a good look”, a source has claimed, adding he hid his lips to avoid anyone but Andrew knowing what he said.
A royal insider told the Daily Mail : “William is deliberately speaking behind his hand so you can’t see what he is saying in the reprimand. William was clearly aware that the cameras were on them and felt uncomfortable.”
The source added: “He [William] is pretty media savvy and would have known it might not be a good look [by Andrew] and also did not want to be seen chatting to his uncle.”
Royal expert Jennie Bond believes that William’s act was him “pulling rank” over the disgraced Duke, with William reportedly being “furious” at being cornered by his uncle during the poignant ceremony.
The former BBC royal correspondent told the Mirror : “William finds his uncle an embarrassment to the monarchy. I think it was an illustration of the fact that when William has made up his mind about something, he sticks to it.
“And that is by no means a bad thing. It would be hypocritical of him to pretend all is well when there is clearly tension between himself and Andrew. William looked intensely uncomfortable as Andrew tried to make conversation. It was a supremely awkward moment in what was a very solemn occasion.
“I think the body language proved that William is the top dog in this relationship: a future King who outranks his uncle. Andrew has demonstrated time and again that he is bizarrely oblivious to how toxic he now is.
Jennie added: “I can understand that Andrew wanted to attend the funeral, but once again he demonstrated that he has very little appreciation of how the public – and many of his family – feel about him and the damage he’s done to the monarchy.”