Tensions Surface at Duchess of Kent’s Funeral as William Shields Catherine from Prince Andrew

The funeral of the Duchess of Kent at Westminster Cathedral was a solemn occasion for the royal family to honor a beloved figure, but it also laid bare simmering tensions, particularly between Prince William and his uncle, Prince Andrew. While the event was marked by unity in grief, a strained dynamic unfolded, highlighting a deep rift within the House of Windsor.

Prince Andrew, arriving with Sarah Ferguson under police escort from Royal Lodge, maintained a somber demeanor alongside other mourners. However, royal observers noted a chilling moment when Andrew directed what some described as a “hostile” glance toward Princess Catherine, dubbed the “look of ashes” by commentators. This fleeting but pointed expression seemed to carry years of unresolved bitterness, reigniting long-standing familial discord.

Royal biographer Andrew Lownie, in his book Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, suggests that William’s frustration with Andrew stems not only from his uncle’s well-documented scandals but also from personal grievances. Lownie claims Andrew made “nasty and unkind” remarks about Catherine, driven by jealousy of her rising prominence within the royal family, particularly following Queen Elizabeth II’s death. “Catherine has been the saving grace of the royal family,” Lownie noted, expressing surprise at Andrew’s apparent resentment toward her, given her pivotal role in the monarchy’s modern image.

William’s response was evident in his protective stance at the funeral. He remained close to Catherine, his body language vigilant and shielding, as if creating a barrier between her and Andrew. Sources indicate that William, with a strong sense of duty and a clear vision for the monarchy’s future, is determined to keep Andrew at arm’s length. When William ascends the throne, Andrew is expected to remain firmly excluded from the circle of working royals.

Despite the undercurrent of tension, William and Catherine’s bond shone through. Cameras captured tender moments, with Catherine leaning toward William and him offering quiet reassurance, their unity a stark contrast to the frostiness with Andrew. Their interactions with him were minimal, likely out of respect for the occasion rather than any gesture of reconciliation.

Andrew’s controversies, including his association with Jeffrey Epstein and alleged ties to Chinese businessman Yang Tengbo, have long cast a shadow over the royal family. Stripped of his military titles and patronages in 2022, he has lived quietly at Royal Lodge, yet the damage to his reputation—and its impact on the monarchy—persists. For William, balancing family ties with public duty remains a challenge, but his focus remains clear: to uphold the monarchy’s integrity alongside King Charles, Princess Anne, and Prince Edward.

The funeral may have been a moment of collective mourning, but it also underscored the fractures within the royal family, with William steadfastly guarding Catherine and the monarchy’s future from the burdens of past scandals.