Lip Reader Reveals William’s Icy Response to Andrew After the Heir Felt ‘Ambushed’ by His ‘Toxic’ Uncle’s ‘Crass’ Behavior
Every day, it feels like the Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein story gets worse and worse. Even after Epstein’s death, the revelations of how deep the ties between the Duke of York and the convicted sex offender continue to surface, creating even worse press for the British royal family. And recent leaks have brought back to the forefront Sarah Ferguson’s ties to Epstein, as well.
All of this comes right after Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson were photographed with most senior members of the royal family for the first time in a while at the funeral for the Duchess of Kent. In fact, there was one awkward moment during the funeral that everyone zeroed in on, and it involved Prince Andrew and the heir to the throne, Prince William.
Related: Here’s what each royal inherited from Queen Elizabeth
Not much was actually said, according to a lip reader. The Daily Mail reported that lip reader Jacqui Press confirmed the interaction between the two was just the kind of casual talk you make with people you don’t really want to talk to but can’t avoid. “Aren’t we lucky with the weather today,” and “It was a beautiful service,” were what the conversation amounted to, apparently. Likely not what Prince Andrew would have wanted.
The conversation between Prince Andrew and his sister, Princess Anne, was reportedly also frosty. According to the lip reader, all they talked about was where to go. “Let’s walk this way,” the Princess Royal told him, and Andrew responded with, “Shall [we] go that way and we can leave there?”
Not a deep conversation at all.
The Daily Beast had recently quoted a friend of William calling the evening a “disgrace” and revealing Prince William was “furious” at being “ambushed” by the fact that Prince Andrew was sitting so close to him. There were multiple angles of William looking less than pleased.
Royal expert Jennie Bond told the Mirror the interaction only served to reinforce what people already knew about the relationship: it’s not on good terms at all. “William finds his uncle an embarrassment to the monarchy. I think it was an illustration of the fact that when William has made up his mind about something, he sticks to it.”
She added, “William looked intensely uncomfortable as Andrew tried to make conversation. It was a supremely awkward moment in what was a very solemn occasion,” explaining that “It was crass of him to try to get some banter going – especially at such a sad occasion and when the cameras were quite clearly on him and William. Andrew’s big brother and his other siblings tolerate him, but William is a different generation with a different outlook.”
British royal expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News earlier this year that William wants to make sure Prince Andrew is “completely excluded” from the royal family. “[William is] very in touch with the public,” she said. “Every public opinion poll has Andrew at the bottom, reinforcing Prince William’s stance. Once king, no doubt, Prince William will ensure Andrew is completely excluded from royal life, as well as all public appearances.”
British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard added to Fox News, “He recognizes the public animosity towards Andrew. He views him as a complete liability with his series of scandals, both past and present, shoveling shame on the family. His stance towards his uncle is tough. He will not entertain anyone toxic to the brand. Andrew will not be part of the streamlined monarchy.”
For now, it seems like William tried to grin and bear it. Except without the grinning.
