The Duke of York and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson made an unexpected appearance at the Duchess of Kent’s funeral on Tuesday
Prince William is reportedly “furious” over Prince Andrew’s unexpected presence at the Duchess of Kent’s funeral. Onlookers were taken aback as the Duke of York, alongside his former wife Sarah Ferguson, made a surprise appearance at the event on Tuesday.
After the poignant service at Westminster Abbey, Andrew, aged 65, was seen chuckling and grinning, in stark contrast to the more reserved demeanour of other senior Royals. This incident is believed to have particularly upset William, Prince of Wales, who has been keen to avoid being photographed with his uncle.
Royal author Andrew Lownie said: “William, meanwhile, was ‘furious’ at being ambushed in this way, according to friends.
“He has been at pains to distance himself from his uncle and not be photographed with him. He believes his father has not dealt with him with sufficient firmness and that Andrew – and Sarah Ferguson – have done much to undermine the good work of other members of the Royal Family.”
The Duke of York faced allegations of sexual abuse by Virginia Giuffre, one of the most vocal accusers of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew, a father of two, has consistently refuted these claims, reports Mirror Online.
However, Mr Lownie believes that “a personal element” has also contributed to William’s distance from Andrew in recent years.
He told the Daily Mail: “Apart from concerns about reputational damage, there is also a personal element here which goes back long before the Epstein affair.
“Andrew is said to have been unwelcoming and rude to Kate when William was dating her – and William supposedly has never forgotten it.
“King Charles, for his part, is caught in a difficult position. A courteous and forgiving man who feels Andrew and Sarah Ferguson should be included in family events, he is also acutely aware of how toxic his brother and sister-in-law are to the royal brand.”
The monarch was seen engaging in conversation with both Andrew and Sarah who, despite their divorce in 1996 after ten years of marriage, continue to live together at Royal Lodge in Windsor, Berkshire.
They journeyed together from their home on Tuesday – escorted by police – to Westminster Cathedral for the funeral of Katharine, the wife of the late Queen’s cousin the Duke of Kent, who died aged 92 on Thursday September 4.
Andrew’s appearance occurred just hours before many high-ranking members of the Royal Family – including the Prince and Princess of Wales – were set to meet with Donald Trump during his state visit.
The Royal Family are being used this week as part of the nation’s diplomatic strategy to appease Mr Trump amid international disputes.
The President basked in the grandeur of the Royal spectacle at Windsor Castle last night during an opulent state banquet.
The statesman was earlier welcomed by Charles, military honour guards and mounted troops, before he paid a private tribute at Queen Elizabeth II’s tomb.
