An awkward moment unfolded at the funeral of the Duchess of Kent as Prince William and King Charles were seen in a strained exchange with Prince Andrew. As the royal family stood on the steps of Westminster Cathedral following the requiem mass, Andrew smiled at William, who looked straight ahead without responding. The King briefly smiled at his younger brother before William looked away.
Andrew's attendance marked a rare public appearance outside Windsor, where he lives at Royal Lodge. He was accompanied by his ex-wife, Sarah, Duchess of York. His public career was effectively ended by his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and he has recently been embroiled in a scandal involving an alleged Chinese spy. Sources have indicated that the King is 'continually exasperated' with his brother, while William is said to have 'no time for his uncle'.
The funeral was the first Catholic requiem mass for a member of the royal family in modern British history. Queen Camilla did not attend due to acute sinusitis. Among the mourners were Princess Anne, the Duchess of Edinburgh, and the Duke of Kent, who followed his wife's coffin. Kate Middleton wore a four-strand pearl and diamond choker that belonged to Queen Elizabeth II.
Pope Leo XIV paid tribute to the Duchess, praising her 'legacy of Christian goodness' in a message delivered during the service. The Duchess was known for consoling losing Wimbledon finalists, notably a tearful Jana Novotna in 1993.
