Prince Andrew made a surprising appearance at the funeral of the Duchess of Kent, marking a rare occurrence. Accompanied by Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, he was seen arriving at Westminster Cathedral in London today. The public reacted with astonishment as the duo swiftly entered the cathedral. Notable members of the Royal Family, including King Charles III and the Prince and Princess of Wales, were present for the service. Unfortunately, Queen Camilla had to withdraw from the event due to illness.
Earlier in the day, Andrew and Fergie were spotted leaving their residence at Royal Lodge in Windsor under police escort en route to the funeral. Upon arrival, Andrew was warmly greeted by four clergy members waiting outside the cathedral.
Andrew’s public career was significantly impacted by his association with American financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, similar to the repercussions faced by former UK ambassador to the US Lord Peter Mandelson. Prince Michael of Kent, the Duke of Kent’s brother, also attended the funeral, appearing fragile and using a walking stick to enter the church alongside his wife Princess Michael of Kent, who was also assisted by a stick. Their daughter Lady Gabriella Windsor accompanied them, leading a large group of royals all dressed in black as a sign of mourning, including Lord Frederick Windsor and Lady Sophie Windsor, with some arriving together by minibus.
The late Duchess, who was the spouse of Queen Elizabeth II’s late cousin, will be laid to rest this afternoon. This occasion signifies the first Catholic funeral for a Royal Family member in contemporary times. The private service will include a message from Pope Leo.
Buckingham Palace previously confirmed the duchess’s peaceful passing at her Kensington Palace residence on September 4, surrounded by her family. In an official statement, the Palace expressed deep sorrow over the loss and highlighted the Duchess’s lifelong dedication to various organizations, her love for music, and her compassion for young people.
