A video showed Prince Andrew struggling to contain his emotions and appeared to bite his lips during the funeral procession.
Trigger warning: This article contains themes of personal loss and sexual assault that some readers may find distressing
Prince Andrew fought back tears as he walked behind the coffin of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. The Duke of York was pictured getting emotional and fighting back tears as he joined other royal members in the procession. The Queen’s coffin was being moved to Westminster Abbey for the funeral. A video showed Prince Andrew struggling to contain his emotions and appeared to bite his lips during the funeral procession. Some of the other members of the royal family walking the behind the coffin included Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, Princess Anne, and King Charles, with Prince William and Harry following them closely behind. Prince Andrew was spotted wearing his military medals on his chest during the procession.
While the other members of the royal family were wearing a military uniforms, Prince Andrew and Prince Harry were seen in civilian clothing for the Queen’s funeral. Prince Andrew had stepped back from his duties as a member of the royal family after he was accused of sexual assault allegations and of sharing a close friendship with convicted child trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. Prince Harry, on the other hand, had voluntarily stepped down from his role as a senior member of the royal family along with his wife as they moved to California. An exception was made for both Prince Andrew and Prince Harry for the vigil and both donned their military uniform.
Prince Andrew was known to be close to his mother and posted a moving tribute to the Queen after she passed away on September 8. “Dear Mummy, Mother, Your Majesty, three in one,” read the statement from the Duke of York. “Your Majesty, it has been an honor and a privilege to serve you. Mother – of the nation, your devotion and personal service to our nation are unique and singular; your people show their love and respect in so many different ways and I know you are looking on honoring their respect. Mummy, your love for a son, your compassion, your care, your confidence I will treasure forever. I have found your knowledge and wisdom infinite, with no boundary or containment,” he wrote, reported the BBC. “As our book of experiences closes, another opens, and I will forever hold you close to my heart with my deepest love and gratitude, and I will tread gladly into the next with you as my guide.” He signed off by saying, “God Save The King.”
Prince Andrew was also a regular visitor at Windsor Castle as she struggled with mobility issues earlier this year. Prince Andrew also gifted his mother Muick, a corgi, and Fergus, a dorgi during the pandemic lockdown in 2021 to cheer her up. A spokesperson for the Duke of York also confirmed that Prince Andrew and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, will look after the Queen’s corgis — Muick and Sandy.
Despite Prince Andrew and Ferguson parting ways in 1996, they continue to live together at Royal Lodge in Windsor. Ferguson developed a close bond with the Queen over their love for dogs. A source told The Telegraph: “The Duchess bonded with Her Majesty over dog walking and riding horses and, even after her divorce, she would continue her great friendship with Her Majesty, by walking the dogs in Frogmore and chatting.” Ferguson paid tribute to the Queen with a touching message, referring to her as “the most incredible mother-in-law and friend.” Andrew relinquished his royal duties in the wake of sexual assault allegations leveled against him by Virginia Giuffre. Andrew, 62, continues to deny all allegations. The royal biographer Ingrid Seward said it only made sense that the dogs go to Andrew. “Let’s face it, he hasn’t got anything else to do,” jibed Seward.
If you’re struggling to cope with grief, and need help, please reach out to Crisis response at 1-800-203-CARE (2273)
If you are being subjected to sexual assault, or know of anyone who is, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673)
