The Royal Family came together for the funeral of the Duchess of Kent at Westminster Cathedral, a deeply moving service that carried both solemnity and tradition.
Among those present was Prince Andrew, who made a rare return to the royal fold alongside his former wife, Sarah Ferguson.
Despite the occasion, Andrew found himself drawing attention—not for his presence alone, but for being spotted laughing heartily during and after the service.
His laughter, particularly when standing beside Prince William, left the Prince of Wales appearing visibly uneasy in what was otherwise a moment of reflection.
Remembering the Duchess of Kent
Katharine, Duchess of Kent, passed away peacefully at her home on September 4 at the age of 92.
A devout Catholic, she made history in 1994 as the first senior royal to convert to Catholicism in more than three centuries.
It was her wish to be laid to rest at Westminster Cathedral, making this the first royal funeral held there since its construction in 1903.
The service was steeped in personal touches: three of her grandchildren took part in the prayers, and a wreath of British flowers, including white roses symbolizing her Yorkshire roots, adorned her wicker coffin.
Pope Leo XIV even sent a message of tribute, read aloud during the service by the Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain.
A Rare Catholic Royal Funeral
This farewell marked a unique moment in royal history.
The last Roman Catholic funeral for a British royal on English soil dates back almost 500 years, to Queen Mary I in 1558.
Soldiers from the Royal Dragoon Guards, a regiment the Duchess supported, played a key role in the ceremony, with a piper leading the cortege and comrades carrying her coffin into the cathedral.
The rites began the evening before with a solemn reception, where the coffin rested overnight in the Lady Chapel.
On the day, the Royal Family—including King Charles, Prince William, and Catherine, Princess of Wales—took their seats near the front.
Andrew and Fergie’s Prominent Role
What caught many eyes was Prince Andrew’s position at the service.
Despite stepping down from royal duties years ago over his links to Jeffrey Epstein, Andrew and Sarah Ferguson were seated in the front row, just beside King Charles and the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Their arrival together from Windsor further underscored their closeness, even years after their divorce.
But Andrew’s laughter throughout parts of the day sparked criticism, with some calling it out of place at such a solemn event.
For Prince William, caught standing beside him during one of these moments, the awkwardness was written all over his face.
The Epstein Shadow Returns
Andrew’s attendance also coincided with renewed scrutiny of his past.
The Epstein scandal resurfaced recently after the release of a so-called “birthday book,” filled with messages and photos linked to Epstein’s circle.
Among them were notes from Lord Mandelson, who once called Epstein his “best pal” and reportedly advised him during his legal troubles.
The resurfacing of these ties has reignited calls for accountability.
Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s most prominent accusers, alleged that Andrew abused her when she was 17—claims he has consistently denied.
Although Andrew settled the case privately in 2022 for a reported £12 million, Giuffre’s family insists the matter isn’t closed.
Giuffre Family Demands Justice
Sky Roberts, Giuffre’s brother, has been outspoken in demanding a full investigation.
Speaking to the BBC, he argued that Andrew’s royal status should not shield him from justice, stating plainly that “whether you’re a prince or a president, you should face the law.”
Roberts criticized what he sees as leniency, saying Andrew may have lost his public roles and reputation but continues to live in comfort.
“That’s not enough,” he stressed, calling for the Duke of York to be held accountable like anyone else.
He also noted that the Royal Family has not reached out to his family, deepening their sense of isolation.
Camilla’s Absence Raises Questions
Noticeably absent from the funeral was Queen Camilla, who was advised to rest after developing acute sinusitis.
Buckingham Palace confirmed her withdrawal with “great regret,” assuring the Duke of Kent that she sent her best wishes.
Her absence has sparked speculation over her ability to attend U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming state visit, hosted by King Charles at Windsor later in the week.
While officials say she hopes to recover in time for key events—including a lavish state banquet—her health remains under close watch.
The King and Catholic Tradition
Though unusual, this was not the first time a reigning monarch has attended a Catholic funeral.
Queen Elizabeth II was present at King Baudouin of Belgium’s state funeral in 1993, and King Charles, while still Prince of Wales, represented her at Pope John Paul II’s funeral in 2005.
Most recently, Prince William attended Pope Francis’s funeral mass earlier this year.
The Duchess of Kent’s funeral, however, stood apart as a rare Catholic ceremony for a royal within Britain itself—one that blended centuries-old tradition with her personal faith and wishes.
What Comes Next for Andrew?
While the day was meant to honor the Duchess, Andrew’s presence—and his behavior—kept him in the headlines.
His return to the royal fold, even if only for private family occasions, remains controversial as questions about his ties to Epstein continue to resurface.
For the Royal Family, balancing personal grief, public appearances, and political obligations—like hosting a divisive U.S. state visit—remains a delicate task.
But for Andrew, the shadow of past scandals shows no sign of fading, even on a day meant to focus on remembrance and faith.