Prince Andrew grins while riding in Windsor days after funeral criticism

Prince Andrew was photographed grinning while riding in Windsor Great Park on Saturday, days after being criticized for his demeanor at the Duchess of Kent's funeral.

The 65-year-old duke attended the Duchess of Kent's funeral Tuesday at Westminster Abbey with the King, Princess Anne, and the Prince and Princess of Wales. Queen Camilla did not attend the service due to acute sinusitis, Buckingham Palace said two hours before the private family service began. Andrew's ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, was also in attendance.

Some mourners outside Westminster Abbey gasped as his car arrived, with reports noting that his demeanor during the service was felt by some as out of step with the mood of the day. The Telegraph described his conduct there as having created a distinct chill in the air among attendees.

Footage from the funeral shows Andrew sharing a joke with Sarah Ferguson and laughing while standing next to Prince William, who appeared visibly uncomfortable and embarrassed. He later muttered a few words to William, who offered only a brief nod in response. A body language expert described the exchange as a frosty interaction, with William signaling a lack of desire to engage.

Judi James, a body language expert, said the younger royal’s non-verbal responses suggested awkwardness and a subliminal wish to avoid overt engagement with his uncle. She described Andrew's expression as a smug-looking smile and noted that Andrew turned his head toward William in an attempt to elicit a mirrored response, which William did not provide.

The episode came amid ongoing public scrutiny over Andrew's relationship with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The duke stepped back from public duties after that scandal, but he continues to attend private family events. Some mourners at the funeral reportedly expressed surprise at Andrew's arrival, implying that a quieter entrance might have been more appropriate for the private service.

Separately, Andrew’s public appearances have continued to draw attention in the week following the Requiem Mass. On Friday, he was seen in a Range Rover, believed to be heading to Windsor Great Park for a horse ride, further fueling discussion about his place within the royal family after years of controversy.