Prince Andrew “positioned himself as leader of the Royal Family” at King Constantine’s memorial in Windsor and “used power techniques to express authority”, a body language expert has claimed.
The Duke of York, 64, attended the service at St George’s Chapel today with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson and other members of the Royal Family.
The royal father-of-two, who stepped down from royal duties two years ago, was seen leading members of The Firm into the church and was also the first to greet the priest.
Speaking to FEMAIL, body language expert Judi James said Andrew put on a “bizarre display of body language” today and seemed to want to “position himself in the role of leader” of the British royal group, after Prince William unexpectedly missed the service For personal motives.
Judi explained: “Andrew arrives at the front, walking a little unsteadily to the side, allowing him to be seen in the role of host, looking back to check on the rest of the group or chatting to his ex-wife and husband. Anne, Tim.’
Pictured: Prince Andrew appeared in high spirits as he arrived at King Constantine’s memorial service in Windsor today.
As the group, which also consisted of Mike and Zara Tindall, approached the church entrance, Andrew put on a wide smile.
The expert continued: “Smiling like the Cheshire Cat at a memorial service where everyone else looks suitably solemn seems like an over-the-top acting ritual on the part of Andrew, who appears to apply the widest smile just as he walks within range of the cameras.” .
Judi described her as having a “lightning smile” and added: “[It is] one without slow buildup or deceleration, which tends to suggest that it is done deliberately as a signal.
The expert then reflected on Prince Andrew’s last public appearance at Christmas, where he was equally cheerful while attending church in Sandringham with his family.
Judi said: “Andrew was seen in a similar state of joy on his last outing with the royal group and this sort of random smile suggests a desire to appear carefree and resilient.”
Next, the body language expert highlighted Andrew’s hand gestures and how they can also be seen as a “power technique.”
She explained: “Andrew rubs his hands together but then when he reappears he suddenly starts using very emphatic gesticulations with both hands while talking to Tim.”
According to body language expert Judi James, Prince Andrew’s gestures meant he wanted to “position himself in the role of leader” of the British royal group.
Before entering the chapel for the service, Prince Andrew used “tactile and very commanding” body language as he greeted the priest.
“Politicians and leaders often use this as a power technique to suggest that they have authority and leadership in a group.”
Before the service began, Judi highlighted how Andrew used a “tactile and very dominant” demeanor with the clergyman who was waiting to greet them.
She explained: ‘Andrew walks over to stand close to the man as he grabs him by the upper arm, which I have never seen anyone do to a bishop in full regalia before.
“After an intimate chat, Andrew rounds off this strange display by giving the clergyman power pats that again suggest a higher authority.”
Andrew was front and center of proceedings as King Charles takes a break from royal duties as he battles cancer and Prince William missed the service for “personal reasons.” Prince Edward and Sofia, Duchess of Edinburgh, were also absent.
Queen Camilla arrived separately, meaning Andrew, Queen Elizabeth II’s second son, stepped up and led the other royals, including Princess Anne.
One royal watcher told MailOnline: “Prince Andrew and the Yorks are firmly back in the fold.”
Prince Andrew was seen leading members of the Royal Family in a thanksgiving service at Windsor Castle for the late King Constantine of Greece.
Princess Alexandra, The Honorable Lady of Ogilvy, Marina Ogilvy, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, Duchess of Gloucester, Duke of Gloucester, Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, Princess Royal and Queen Camilla, Duchess of Gloucester, Duke of Gloucester, Admiral Sir Tim Laurence , the Princess Royal and Queen Camilla sat in the front row.
Queen Camilla is greeted as she attends the Thanksgiving service this morning
It is the first time the Duke of York has attended a public event since the Christmas Day service at Sandringham. And it came almost two years to the day he settled the sexual assault case brought against him by Virginia Giuffre, a sex slave victim of Andrew’s friend Jeffrey Epstein.
The deal was never disclosed, but was estimated to be worth around £12 million ($16.3 million). He saved her from having to give evidence under oath in any trial in the US and there were claims that the Queen helped her pay for it.
King Constantine’s funeral was attended by Princess Anne and her husband, Vice-Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, in January 2023.
Constantine became king of Greece in 1964, but was deposed from the throne when the monarchy was abolished in 1973.
King Charles is not expected to attend his funeral in Windsor after retiring from public life following his cancer diagnosis.
Prince Andrew heads to the service at Windsor Castle today with Sarah, Duchess of York.
Penelope Knatchbull, Countess Mountbatten of Burma, Thomas Hooper and Lady Alexandra Hooper arrive at St George’s Chapel today for the service of thanksgiving for King Constantine.
Prince William and Kate Middleton speak with King Constantine at Windsor Castle in 2012
King Constantine attends church with Charles and Camilla at Sandringham in December 2007.
Camilla’s role in the service will see her take the reins again as she works to take the pressure off her husband.
Members of the royal family have rallied around the King, and Prince William has returned to duty after spending time caring for his wife, Princess Kate.
In another health scare, the Princess of Wales has been admitted to the London Clinic for planned abdominal surgery and will be unable to carry out any royal engagements until at least Easter.
Last month, the Greek royal family made a somber display by attending a memorial service to mark the first year of King Constantine’s death.
He died “of a stroke,” local media reported, after several hospital admissions in the previous months.
High-profile royals, including Constantine’s son Crown Prince Pavlos and Dowager Queen Anna Maria, attended a private ceremony at the former summer palace of Tatoi, outside Athens.