Prince Andrew “positioned himself as the leader of the royal family” at King Constantine's memorial in Windsor and “used power techniques to express authority,” a body language expert claimed.
The 64-year-old Duke of York attended the service at St George's Chapel today alongside 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 company into the church and was also the first to greet the priest.
Speaking to FEMAIL, body language expert Judi James said Andrew had “displayed bizarre body language” today and appeared to want to position himself “in the role of leader” of the British royal group – after Prince William unexpectedly missed the service due to personal reasons.
Judi explained: “Andrew arrives at the front line and steps uncertainly slightly to the side, which allows him to be seen in the role of host, looking back to check on the rest of the group, or with his ex-wife and Anne's husband, Tim entertains.” '
Pictured: Prince Andrew appeared in high spirits today as he arrived at the memorial service for King Constantine in Windsor
As the group, which included Mike and Zara Tindall, approached the church entrance, Andrew smiled broadly.
The expert continued: “Grinning like the Cheshire Cat at a funeral service where everyone else looks suitably solemn looks like an over-the-top performance routine from Andrew, who seems to flash the biggest smile just as he moves into range of the cameras .”
Judi described it as a “lightening smile” and added: “[It is] one with no buildup or slow settlement, suggesting it is intentionally executed as a signal.”
The expert then reflected on Prince Andrew's last public appearance at Christmas, where he appeared similarly cheerful as he attended Sandringham church with his family.
Judi said: “Andrew was seen in a similar state of happiness during his last outing with the royal group, and this kind of casual-looking grin suggests a desire to appear carefree and resilient.”
The body language expert then highlighted Andrew's hand gestures and how they can also be considered a “strength technique.”
She explained: “Andrew rubs his hands together, but then, as he comes back into view, he suddenly starts using very emphatic two-handed gestures while talking to Tim.”
According to body language expert Judi James, Prince Andrew's gestures suggested he wanted to “embark on the role of leader” of the British royal group
Before Prince Andrew went to the chapel for the service, he greeted the priest with “tactile and very dominant” body language
“This is often used by politicians and leaders as a power technique to suggest that they have authority and leadership in a group.”
Before the service began, Judi highlighted that Andrew displayed a “tactile and very dominant” behavior towards the clergyman who was waiting to be greeted.
She explained: “Andrew walks up to him, stands close to the man and grabs him by the upper arm, which I have never seen anyone do to a bishop in full regalia before.”
“After an intimate conversation, Andrew completes this strange display by patting the clergyman with a firm pat, again suggesting a higher authority.”
Andrew was at the center of events as King Charles took a break from royal duties due to his cancer and Prince William missed the service for “personal reasons”. Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh were also absent.
Queen Camilla arrived separately, which meant Andrew, Queen Elizabeth II's second-born son, stepped forward and led the other royals, including Princess Anne.
A royal observer told Web: “Prince Andrew and the Yorks are firmly back in league.”
Prince Andrew was seen leading members of the royal family at a service of thanksgiving at Windsor Castle for the late King Constantine of Greece
Princess Alexandra, The Honorable Lady of Ogilvy, Marina Ogilvy, Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, the Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke of Gloucester, Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Princess Royal and Queen Camilla, the Duchess of Gloucester, the 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 service of thanksgiving this morning
It is the first time the Duke of York has attended a public event since the Sandringham Christmas service. And it has been almost two years to the day since he settled the sexual harassment case brought against him by Virginia Giuffre, a sex slave victim of Andrew's friend Jeffrey Epstein.
The settlement was never disclosed, but its value was estimated at around 12 million pounds ($16.3 million). This spared him from having to testify under oath at every trial in the US and there were allegations that the Queen helped pay him.
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 ousted from the throne when the monarchy was abolished in 1973.
King Charles is not expected to attend his memorial service in Windsor after withdrawing from public life following his cancer diagnosis.
Prince Andrew is going to the service at Windsor Castle with Sarah, Duchess of York today
Penelope Knatchbull, Countess Mountbatten of Burma, Thomas Hooper and Lady Alexandra Hooper arrive at the service of thanksgiving for King Constantine at St George's Chapel today
Prince William and Kate Middleton speak to King Constantine at Windsor Castle in 2012
King Constantine visits Sandringham church with Charles and Camilla in December 2007
Camilla's role in military service will see her take the reins again and work to take the pressure off her husband.
Members of the royal family have gathered around the king, and Prince William returns to his duties after caring for his wife Princess Kate.
In another health scandal, the Princess of Wales was admitted to the London clinic for planned abdominal surgery and will no longer be able to attend royal engagements until at least Easter.
Last month, the Greek royal family appeared somber as they attended a memorial service to mark the first anniversary of the death of King Constantine.
He died “of a stroke,” local media reported, after being hospitalized several times in the previous months.
High-profile members of the royal family, including Constantine's son Crown Prince Pavlos and widow Queen Anne Marie, attended a private ceremony at the former summer palace of Tatoi just outside Athens.