Andrew Mountbatten Windsor spoke to Sir Tim in one his last public appearances with the family (Image: Getty)
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was branded “arrogant” after appearing to corner Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence during an awkward exchange at last year’s Easter service.
In one of Andrew’s last public royal appearances before being shunned, he steered clear of the press but spent time chatting with fellow royals, including his sister Princess Anne, 75, and her husband of more than 30 years, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence. According to body language expert Judi James, Andrew, 66, appeared “defiant and arrogant” as he attempted to engage a “trapped” Sir Tim, 71, in conversation outside St George’s Chapel in April 2025. Lip reader Nicola Hickling claimed Andrew opened with: “Are you aware what happened two days ago?” before gesturing over his shoulder and adding: “Tried to blacken me”. It was unclear who or what he was referring to.
Read more: Major Sarah Ferguson whereabouts update in 3-word Priscilla Presley response
Read more: Meghan’s Plan B to be put into action after Netflix blow
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested in connection with misconduct in a public office (Image: Getty)
At the time, Andrew was already facing mounting scrutiny following the release of documents in December 2024 detailing his links to alleged Chinese spy Yang Tengbo. Footage from the service appeared to show the prince under pressure, resting his chin in his hand in what Ms Hickling described as a moment of reflection or frustration.
It was then that Sir Tim allegedly intervened, telling him: “Andrew, you need to calm down,” the lip reader claimed to the Daily Mail.
Andrew, however, appeared to brush off the warning, shaking his head and saying “he won’t get away with it”, adding that he had not spoken to the mystery figure in some time. After a few more words were exchanged, Sir Tim appeared keen to draw the conversation to a close by stating Princess Anne would speak to him in a moment.
Ms James said the interaction highlighted a stark contrast between the two men, with Sir Tim standing reserved and his hands clasped behind his back, while Andrew gestured animatedly, his jacket open. She added that Sir Tim showed signs of discomfort, attempting to deflect Andrew’s attention elsewhere.
The encounter came amid ongoing controversy surrounding Andrew’s links to Yang Tengbo, also known as Chris Yang, who was later banned from the UK over national security concerns.
This year, the former Prince faced fresh allegations after the release of the Epstein files in January, which led to his arrest in connection with misconduct in a public office. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
The King has made his position clear, having stripped Andrew of his titles and made him leave the luxurious Royal Lodge, but little is known about his sister’s views.
Princess Anne is understood to have remained in contact with her brother, while still supporting the King’s decision to strip him of royal duties and titles.
While the siblings were once said to be close, royal experts suggest Anne has been “aghast” at the revelations surrounding Andrew.
In December 2024, Andrew said he “ceased all contact” with Mr Yang when concerns were first raised about him. Andrew met the individual through “official channels” with “nothing of a sensitive nature ever discussed”, his office said.
Inclusion in the Epstein files does not indicate any wrongdoing.