Prince Andrew “appeared from the shadows” and was “restricted” as he made a rare appearance, according to an expert. The Duke of York’s surprise outing alongside King Charles, Queen Camilla and other members of the Royal Family came as he attended the traditional Easter Sunday Mattins service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor.
The beleaguered royal, who was joined by his ex-wife, Sarah, Duchess of York, arrived in a car with along with his sister, The Princess Royal and his brother-in-law, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence. His attendance came as a surprise after the Duke’s links with alleged Chinese spy Yang Tengbo came to light.
Now, a leading body language expert has unpicked Prince Andrew’s appearance at the annual service, explaining why he “kept a low profile.”
Speaking exclusively to The Express, body language expert Judi James explained: “Having kept a low profile until that point, Andrew suddenly appeared from the shadows of the chapel entrance to air his profile and status a little in the sunshine.
“He looked restricted to chatting to Tim rather than mingling with any groups but that didn’t stop him from splaying his legs and standing with one arm across his stomach with his open jacket and one hand performing some authoritative downward points with his index finger as he spoke to an awkward-looking Tim.”
While he has not been seen officially alongside the Royal Family for several months, his appearance was not unexpected as the Easter Mattins service is considered a private family event rather than an official engagement.
In December, Andrew and Sarah bowed out of joining the rest of the Firm for the traditional Christmas gathering at Sandringham.
He later pulled out of the annual pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace, which brings together the whole extended family for a private celebration. This move was telling, as his absence from a private family event behind Palace walls appeared to seal his fate – that he would not be welcome at any future royal gatherings.
His attendance was permitted even after his disastrous Newsnight interview in November 2019, which focused on his friendship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and led to his removal as a working royal. He no longer holds any public role or patronage and is unable to use his HRH title.
