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William's Icy Moment With Uncle Resurfaces Amid Titles Drama — Was It a Sign Andrew's Fate Was Sealed?

Amid reports that Prince William is looking to 'banish' Prince Andrew from Royal Lodge, an awkward encounter between the heir apparent and the former Duke has resurfaced. On October 17, Andrew announced that he would be relinquishing his royal titles following a private discussion with King Charles. In the wake of this announcement, royal watchers revisited the moment when William reportedly displayed his disdain for Andrew at the Duchess of Kent's funeral, suggesting that tensions behind closed doors were simmering long ago.

While the Duchess of Kent's funeral was dignified, William's cold behavior toward Andrew grabbed headlines. In the clip shared on X (formerly Twitter), the Prince of Wales looked as though he would rather be somewhere else than stand beside his uncle, with his jaw tight and posture stiff. As Andrew tried to make conversation, William glanced at him before fixing his eyes firmly ahead, rubbing his nose, and rocking uncomfortably on his heels. His expression suggested this was not a conversation he wanted to participate in. Lip reader Jacqui Press also told the Daily Mail she had studied the video closely and deciphered Andrew's attempts at small talk. His words to William, she claimed, were, "It was a beautiful service," before saying, "Aren’t we lucky with the weather today?"

Reflecting on the awkward moment, royal expert Jennie Bond hinted that the disgraced Duke had already become a liability to the monarchy. She told The Mirror, "I think William is harder about this and perhaps more willing to take a tough stand against his uncle. I think his reason is that he is determined to protect the monarchy and show that they do all understand the strength of public animosity towards Andrew." Sharing her views on the Prince’s cold behavior, she continued, "I don't think William will ever countenance a return to any form of public role for Prince Andrew." 

Echoing Bond's claims, royal editor Tom Sykes penned for The Daily Beast that the Prince of Wales was allegedly 'boiling with anger' while standing next to his uncle. A friend of William also alleged that it was a 'disgrace' that the former Duke was seated directly behind William and Kate Middleton at the Duchess of Kent's funeral. The friend added that the Prince of Wales was allegedly 'furious' at being 'ambushed' by his uncle, the optics of which was undesirable to say the least.

Shortly after Andrew announced he would give up his titles, reports emerged that William and Middleton both wanted Andrew out of the monarchy for good. A source told Closer, "This is the chapter William and Kate have dreaded. They want Andrew permanently off the stage." The move comes as the couple prepare to settle into Forest Lodge, a Windsor residence not far from the former Duke of York's home in Royal Lodge. The proximity, just 4 miles, has allegedly bothered the Prince and Princess, with their patience wearing thin after years of scandal.