Prince Andrew gave up his royal titles just one month after his tense exchange with Prince William in what was their last public appearance together.
The prince, formerly known as the Duke of York, stepped down on Friday after pressure from King Charles and William following yet more Jefrrey Epstein scandal.
One of his last public appearances came at the Duchess of Kent’s funeral where members of the public gasped when he appeared at Westminster Abbey alongside ex-wife Sarah Ferguson.
After the service, scandal-hit Andrew, 65, appeared to be given the cold shoulder by William, who he tried to engage in conversation, something that reportedly left the future monarch “furious”.
At the time, we spoke with renowned lip reader Jeremy Freeman who analysed the footage that was widely shared on social media to see exactly what was said.
Andrew, pictured laughing and smiling while other senior royals looked more sombre, tried to speak with William several times. One moment saw him break into a smile but his uncle refused to respond.
The expert revealed that Andrew said to William: “… we had a lovely time in those days, didn’t we… I remember those days.”
Royal author Andrew Lownie then told the Mirror how William was “furious” after being ambushed during the service. He said: “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 shared he would relinquish the Order of the Garter title, was accused by Virginia Giuffre, one of paedophile Epstein’s most prominent victims, of sexual abuse. He has denied the accusations.
And after his title revocation last night, 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 were given their titles after they married in 1986 and it was confirmed that his former wife will drop her Duchess of York titles.
Despite not using the title, Andrew will continue to remain the Duke of York.
