Prince William seemingly ignored Prince Andrew at a royal funeral, leading to speculation about the strained relationship between the two.
On September 5, Buckingham Palace announced the passing of Katharine, the Duchess of Kent.
"It is with deep sorrow that Buckingham Palace announces the death of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent," they wrote in the statement. "Her Royal Highness passed away peacefully last night at Kensington Palace, surrounded by her family.
"The King and Queen and all Members of The Royal Family join The Duke of Kent, his children and grandchildren in mourning their loss and remembering fondly The Duchess's life-long devotion to all the organisations with which she was associated, her passion for music and her empathy for young people," the statement concluded.
A Tense Moment Between Nephew and Uncle
Amidst the emotional tributes at the private funeral service for the 92-year-old at Westminster Cathedral, an awkward and frosty moment was observed between William and his uncle.
Body language expert Judi James noted that after the ceremony, Andrew attempted to engage in conversation with William, but the exchange was met with clear signs of discomfort from the Prince of Wales.
Andrew turned fully towards William in an effort to gain his attention and seemed to be trying to coax a response by wearing a "smug-looking smile".
However, William’s non-verbal cues suggested otherwise as the expert explained that the future King barely inclined "his head in Andrew's direction" and seemed to "avoid eye contact" by looking down or away.
He also rubbed his nose with his fist, which showed that he was forming "a barrier to his mouth with this 'act of distraction'".
William’s discomfort was caught on camera
James observed that Andrew’s attempt at a "good-humoured chat" was clearly met with William’s subtle rejection.
As Andrew looked back at his nephew after briefly facing forward, it was evident that he was seeking a warmer response, but William’s lack of engagement remained apparent.
"All William's non-verbal responses suggest awkwardness and a subliminal desire to reject the overtures, making this look like a very frosty transaction," James said.
The tension was further evident when Andrew, despite his efforts, was seen laughing and sharing jokes with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson.
This lighthearted exchange, juxtaposed with William’s apparent discomfort, suggests a strained relationship between the two royals.
The funeral was a poignant moment for the Royal Family, marking the loss of the Duchess of Kent, who was married to Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, and a first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
It was the first royal service held in a Catholic church in modern history and was attended by many royals, including King Charles, Princess Anne, and Princess Catherine.
The Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, praised the late royal's devotion to charity, music, and her contributions to the public.
The service also included personal touches, with three of Katharine's grandchildren, Lady Marina-Charlotte Windsor, Eloise Taylor, and Albert Windsor, reading the Prayer of the Faithful and a Scottish bagpipe lament performed in her memory.
Prince Andrew, who has stepped back from royal duties following the scandal surrounding his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, was seated in the front row, alongside other family members.