Lipreader reveals Andrew’s plea to Prince William before titles were stripped
A lipreader has claimed to have deciphered what was really said between Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Prince William during a much-scrutinised public appearance last year. While appearing in a preview for the next episode of Channel 5’s Lip-Reading the Royals, a show that reveals what experts believe was being said by the family when the microphones aren’t around, the lipreader dissected what they claim was a tense moment between the uncle and nephew following the funeral of the Duchess of Kent last September. (Picture: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
At the time, Andrew was still the Duke of York — he wasn’t formally stripped of his titles until October. However, he was still under intense scrutiny due to his links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. After the service, Andrew was seen standing next to Prince William outside Westminster Cathedral in London. Footage shows him turning his head to William and softly speaking into his ear. William seems to listen, but does not engage with or respond to the former prince. (Picture: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
Until now, the general public had no idea what was said between the two. And, after hearing what potentially went down, it seems that William has little sympathy for the king’s brother. According to the lipreader, Andrew reportedly said: ‘I’ve learned from what I’ve done. But before I forget, I’d like to ask you if you can forgive?’ (Picture: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
Andrew was later stripped of his remaining royal titles, his coat of arms was removed from Windsor Castle, and he was also evicted from his home, Royal Lodge, on the Windsor Estate. He now resides on Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate, while his permanent residence, Marsh Farm, undergoes renovations. Then, last month, he was arrested by UK police on suspicion of misconduct in public office. After 11 hours, Andrew was released under investigation. (Picture: REUTERS)
Andrew’s downfall began back in 2011, when he resigned as trade envoy following criticism of his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. However, he remained very much a working royal, continuing to undertake official duties and engagements on behalf of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. It wasn’t until 2019, following his ‘disastrous’ BBC Newsnight interview, in which he was pressed about the Epstein scandal by journalist Emily Maitlis, that he officially stepped back from public duties. (Picture: BBC NEWS)
Andrew’s links to Epstein came under intense scrutiny when Virginia Giuffre alleged that Epstein had trafficked her to have sex with the royal when she was underage. An image of her standing beside the then-prince has become one of the most notorious to emerge from the files. Andrew has denied ever meeting her and has always strenuously denied any wrongdoing. He has also previously suggested the photo is a fake. In 2022, he reached an out-of-court settlement with Ms Giuffre reportedly worth around £12 million, which did not constitute an admission of wrongdoing. Ms Giuffre died by suicide aged 41 at her home in Australia in April last year. Episode two of Lip-Reading the Royals: What Are They Really Saying? airs at 8pm on Saturday, March 7, on Channel5. (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)
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