A year after an apparent exchange at the Duchess of Kent's funeral, royal author Andrew Lownie asserts that Prince Andrew's interaction with Prince William marked a critical turning point in the Duke of York's public decline. Lownie described the moment as 'pivotal' in Andrew's 'fall from grace,' emphasizing the 'absolute disdain' Prince William held for his uncle.
Gathering outside Westminster Cathedral following a Requiem Mass service on September 16, Prince Andrew appeared isolated from his relatives. According to royal author Lownie, Andrew's demeanor during the solemn occasion, which included what a source described as 'embarrassing' laughter, drew a sharp rebuke from Prince William. Footage of the exchange reportedly shows William appearing uncomfortable and warning Andrew that his conduct was 'not a good look,' before disengaging from further conversation.
Lownie told the Daily Mail that the funeral incident 'brought home just what an entitled oaf Andrew was and from then on his troubles snowballed.' This event, he stated, was a significant factor leading to King Charles's announcement later that month that Andrew would lose his titles and be evicted from Royal Lodge.
Lip reader Nicola Hickling analyzed video footage of the exchange, suggesting Andrew pleaded for his nephew's forgiveness, asking, 'I've learnt from what I've done but before I forget, and if I can, I'd like to ask you if you can forgive?' Andrew had initially greeted William and Catherine, saying, 'Good afternoon, William and Catherine, how are you?' to which Kate replied, 'Good, thank you.' Hickling noted William appeared uneasy before asking Andrew, 'What can I do for you?' Andrew's alleged response, 'We're really closed in together,' was met with William's brief reply, 'Yes.'
Lownie indicated that this tense encounter was a precursor to further difficulties for Andrew. He cited Andrew's arrest and questioning in February of the following year on suspicion of misconduct in public office, related to claims of passing sensitive information to Jeffrey Epstein, as a moment that brought the seriousness of his situation into public view. 'It was also the first time that perhaps Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor realised the seriousness of his situation,' Lownie remarked.
However, Lownie also suggested that Andrew did not remain introspective for long, resorting to 'character blaming everyone but himself for his predicament.' The royal author anticipates that Andrew's situation may worsen with the potential release of further documentation from a libel case involving Ghislaine Maxwell and additional Epstein files in the coming months. Lownie believes the upcoming first anniversary of the Duchess of Kent's funeral could mark another significant stage in the former prince's decline.