Crucially, keeping to Birkhall will have meant limited contact with Prince Andrew. The same insider claimed that while the King would undoubtedly make appearances at the castle, he apparently did not have plans to see much of Prince Andrew. ‘It remains to be seen whether Andrew spends any time at all with his brother,’ it was noted. The Duke of York was instead joined by Sarah Ferguson and their daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, who have remained loyal to him.
Andrew’s attendance at the Duchess of Kent’s funeral, however, is an example of how mourning can bring families together – for better or for worse. Remembrance services began on Monday, as the Duchess’ coffin was taken by hearse from Kensington Palace to Westminster Cathedral, where the Rite of Reception and Vespers took place. In a sign of the respect the Duchess of Kent earned from the royal family, her coffin was transported in the Royal Hearse, designed by Queen Elizabeth II, and draped in the Royal Standard. The following day, wider members of the family came together to honour the Duchess at the Requiem Mass, which celebrated her life of duty and royal dedication.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.tatler.com ’
