Prince William stands silent as Prince Andrew tries to chat with future King

Andrew, 65, was given a prominent front-row seat as he joined other members of the Royal Family for the private memorial service.

Katharine, the wife of the late Queen’s cousin, the Duke of Kent, died peacefully at home on the evening of September 4, aged 92.

Following the Catholic Requiem Mass, Andrew was seen laughing as he shared a joke with Fergie.

The Duke broke into laughter while standing next to Prince William, who looked visibly uncomfortable and embarrassed.

Andrew stepped down as a working royal over the scandal involving his friendship with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, but he continues to attend private family events.

Members of the Royal Family, including King Charles, Prince William and the Princess of Wales, were present, while Queen Camilla was forced to pull out after suffering from acute sinusitis.

Andrew and Fergie, who travelled together from Royal Lodge in Windsor, were seated prominently in the front row, just to the right of King Charles, Prince William and Catherine.

After the service, it appeared that some senior royals, particularly Prince William, did not want to be seen speaking with him. The Duke of York lingered near the cathedral doorway as senior royals exchanged goodbyes.

At one point, Sarah spoke briefly to William, who turned to respond, as did Kate. The Prince and Princess of Wales made a swift exit once the King had departed in the State Bentley.

Queen Camilla’s absence was formally explained by Buckingham Palace. A spokesman told GB News: “With great regret, Her Majesty The Queen has withdrawn from attendance at this afternoon's Requiem Mass for The Duchess of Kent as she is recovering from acute sinusitis.

“Her thoughts and prayers will be with The Duke of Kent and all the family.”

The Duke of Kent was informed and is said to fully understand Camilla’s decision, sending his best wishes for her recovery. The Queen travelled from Scotland this morning and is now at Windsor to rest.

Today’s Requiem Mass was the first Catholic funeral held for a member of the British monarchy in modern history.

The Order of Service revealed that the Pope had sent a special message, which was read to the congregation by Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendia, Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain.

A devout Roman Catholic, the Duchess of Kent became the first senior royal in more than 300 years to convert to Catholicism in 1994, and it was her wish to have her funeral at Westminster Cathedral.

Personal elements included readings from three grandchildren — Lady Marina-Charlotte Windsor, Eloise Taylor and Albert Windsor — and a large wreath of British garden flowers featuring white roses for Yorkshire and sprigs of yew from her childhood home, Hovingham Hall.

Her coffin, made from English willow and draped with the royal standard edged in white ermine to signify she was the spouse of a prince, rested overnight in the Lady Chapel after a solemn Rite of Reception and Vespers.

Soldiers from The Royal Dragoon Guards, a regiment she supported as deputy Colonel-in-Chief, played a key role, with a piper leading the cortege and other soldiers carrying the coffin into the cathedral.