Prince Andrew gave up his Royal titles just one month after a tense conversation with Prince William, in what became their final public appearance together. The prince, previously recognized as the Duke of York, resigned on Friday (October 18) amid mounting pressure from King Charles and William following additional Jeffrey Epstein controversy.
Among his final public outings was the Duchess of Kent’s funeral where attendees audibly gasped upon seeing him arrive at Westminster Abbey with ex-wife Sarah Ferguson. Following the ceremony, the embattled Andrew, 65, seemed to receive a frosty reception from William when he attempted to initiate conversation, something that reportedly left the heir to the throne “furious”. At that time, The Mirror UK consulted with celebrated lip reader Jeremy Freeman who examined the footage that circulated extensively on social media to determine precisely what was said.
Andrew, captured chuckling and beaming while other senior royals appeared more solemn, made multiple attempts to converse with William. One instance showed him breaking into a grin, but his nephew declined to acknowledge him.
The lip reader disclosed that Andrew told William: “… we had a lovely time in those days, didn’t we… I remember those days.”
Royal biographer Andrew Lownie went on to tell the Mirror how William felt “furious” after being caught off guard during the ceremony.
He explained: “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.”
Andrew, who also revealed he would surrender the Order of the Garter title, faced allegations by the late Virginia Giuffre, one of pedophile Epstein’s most high-profile victims, of sexual abuse. He has refuted the claims.
Following his title relinquishment, he said in a statement: “In discussion with the King, and my immediate and wider family, we have concluded the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family.
“I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first. I stand by my decision five years ago to stand back from public life.
“With His Majesty’s agreement, we feel I must now go a step further. I will therefore no longer use my title or the honours which have been conferred upon me.
“As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me.”
Andrew and Sarah received their titles following their 1986 marriage and it was verified that his ex-wife will abandon her Duchess of York titles.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.the-express.com ’
