— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) September 17, 2025
What Andrew Said
Lip reader Jacqui Press analyzed the video and claimed Andrew’s words were carefully neutral. He reportedly remarked, “It was a beautiful service,” followed by the classic British observation: “Aren’t we lucky with the weather today?” Despite his attempt at polite conversation, William’s body language suggested he wasn’t keen to engage.
Andrew was not entirely isolated. Press noted that he exchanged a few words with his sister, Princess Anne. At one point, Anne appeared to gesture and say, “Let’s walk this way,” while Andrew asked, “Shall [we] go that way and we can leave there?” Their interaction offered a rare glimpse of warmth amid an otherwise frosty reception.
The Shadow of Scandal
Andrew’s appearances at royal events remain fraught. Since stepping back from public duties over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, any display of closeness with senior royals carries reputational risks. On September 4, U.S. Republican congresswoman Nancy Mace publicly called for Andrew’s criminal prosecution, echoing the demands of Epstein’s victims and reigniting a scandal the monarchy has struggled to move past.
For King Charles, the renewed attention comes at an inconvenient time. With Donald and Melania Trump visiting the UK on a state trip, Page Six reported that the King was left embarrassed by Andrew’s name once again dominating headlines. Determined to keep the focus on strengthening ties with Washington, Charles ensured his brother was nowhere near the guest list for the state banquet.
Optics That Tell a Story
At the funeral, Andrew lingered awkwardly at the cathedral doorway as others moved ahead in solemn procession, his presence contrasting with the unity displayed by the rest of the family. While he wasn’t completely without allies, the optics underscored his ongoing isolation and the delicate balancing act the monarchy faces whenever he steps into public view.
