A royal editor has described her astonishment at witnessing Prince Andrew's final public appearance before he was stripped of his royal titles by the monarchy.
The Fateful Day at Westminster Cathedral
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, then 65, made his last official appearance alongside Prince William and King Charles at the Duchess of Kent's funeral in September. As the royals departed Westminster Cathedral, the Duke of York attempted to engage his nephew in conversation on the cathedral steps.
Daily Mail royal editor Rebecca English observed the encounter, with colleague Richard Eden later revealing on the publication's YouTube channel: "Her jaw dropped when Andrew attempted to make conversation with William." Eden noted this marked the moment they witnessed William's determination to remove Andrew from royal life in the coming weeks.
A Frosty Exchange and Body Language Analysis
Following the funeral service, Andrew could be seen muttering words to William, who appeared to decline proper engagement, offering only a brief nod in response. Body language expert Judi James analysed the interaction, suggesting William displayed clear awkwardness and desire to reject his uncle's conversation attempts.
James described Andrew's approach as featuring a "smug-looking smile" as he tried to coax a reply from the future king. This frosty exchange between uncle and nephew immediately made headlines and signalled the deteriorating relationship within the royal family.
The Aftermath and Title Removal
Weeks later, Buckingham Palace issued a formal statement announcing that King Charles had initiated the process to remove his brother's princely and ducal titles. The Mirror reported that Andrew would also leave his long-term Windsor home, Royal Lodge.
The palace 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." The decision followed continuous controversy surrounding Andrew's connections to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, though Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
The palace confirmed Andrew would surrender his lease and move to alternative private accommodation, understood to be on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, though specific housing details remain private. The father-of-two had lived at the 30-room Royal Lodge mansion for over two decades with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson.
Reports now suggest the former Duchess of York might relocate to Portugal, potentially moving into a villa owned by their youngest daughter Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank on the Costa Terra resort. A local resident told the Express: "The word here is that Fergie will be arriving sometime in January."
The palace statement concluded by emphasising that their majesties' thoughts and sympathies remain with victims and survivors of abuse, making clear the seriousness with which they viewed the allegations surrounding Andrew's associations.
