The moment reportedly occurred after the funeral of Katharine, Duchess of Kent, on September 16, when senior members of the royal family were leaving the service and waiting for their cars.
According to a Channel 5 documentary, Lip-Reading the Royals, a lip reader believes the 66-year-old used the opportunity to approach his nephew and attempt to repair their strained relationship.
Lip Reader Claims Andrew Tried To Seek Forgiveness
Nicola Hickling, a professional lip reader, claimed that Mountbatten-Windsor attempted to ask William for forgiveness during the brief encounter. According to her interpretation, he said: “I’ve learnt from what I’ve done, but before I forget, and if I can, I’d like to ask you if you can forgive?” per Manchester Evening News.
Body language expert Adrienne Carter suggested the moment appeared extremely uncomfortable for the Prince of Wales.
“I think his body language is screaming, ‘Get away from me, I don’t want to be photographed, particularly engaging with you,'” she said.
Queen Elizabeth II’s former press secretary, Dickie Arbitar, also weighed in on the moment, suggesting William’s facial expression made his feelings clear.
“William’s face said everything, ‘I don’t want to converse with you, push off’. And I think Andrew probably got the message,” he said.
Middleton’s Comment To William After The Exchange
After Mountbatten-Windsor walked away, the Princess of Wales reportedly approached her husband while they stood on the steps of Westminster Cathedral.
Hickling claimed that the 44-year-old then commented on the former royal’s demeanor, quietly telling William: “He seems very sorry.”
According to the lip reader, William responded: “‘Do you think I deserved that’ before asking: “Is that what you mean?” Hickling said Catherine repeated the same remark once more.
Royal commentator Christo Foufas later pointed out that although Mountbatten-Windsor may have appeared apologetic, he never actually voiced the word “sorry.”
“He might have seemed sorry Princess Catherine but those words did not leave his mouth, he didn’t actually say sorry did he,” Foufas said.