Prince Andrew ‘positioned himself as leader of the royal family’ at King Constantine’s monument in Windsor and used ‘power techniques to signal authority’, body language experts claim

Prince Andrew ‘positioned himself as leader of the royal family’ at King Constantine’s monument in Windsor and ‘used power techniques to express authority’, a body language expert has claimed.

The Duke of York, 64, attended today’s service at St. George’s Chapel with 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 Firm in the church and was also the first to greet the priest.

Speaking to FEMAIL, body language expert Judi James said Andrew put on a ‘bizarre body language display’ 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 explains: ‘Andrew arrives at the front line and walks unsteadily slightly to the side, so he can be seen in the role of host, looking back to check on the rest of the group or chatting to his ex-wife and Anne’s husband Tim. ‘

As the group, which also included Mike and Zara Tindall, approached the entrance to the church, Andrew put on a big smile.

The expert continued: ‘Grinning like the Cheshire Cat at a memorial service where everyone else looks appropriately solemn seems like an exaggerated performance ritual from Andrew, who appears to adopt the widest smile just as he walks into range of the cameras.’

Judi described it as a ‘lightning smile’ and added: ‘[It is] one without build-up or slow breakdown, which gives the impression that it is deliberately performed as a signal.’

The expert then reflected on Prince Andrew’s last public appearance at Christmas, where he appeared as cheerful as he did when he attended church at Sandringham with his family.

Judi said: ‘Andrew was seen in a similar state of cheerfulness during his latest outing with the royal group and this sort of random-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 seen as a ‘power technique’.

She explained: “Andrew is rubbing his hands together, but then, as he comes back into focus, he suddenly starts using very emphatic two-handed gestures while talking to Tim.”

‘This is often used as a power technique by politicians and leaders to suggest that they have the authority and leadership in a group.’

Before the service started, Judi highlighted how Andrew used “tangible and very dominant” behavior towards the pastor waiting to greet them.

She explained: “Andrew stands close to the man as he grabs him by the upper arm, which I have never seen anyone do before with a bishop in full regalia.

‘After an intimate conversation, Andrew completes this strange display by stroking the preacher with a power pat that again suggests high authority.’

Andrew was front and center for the proceedings as King Charles takes a break from his royal duties while battling 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 that Andrew, Queen Elizabeth II’s second-born son, stepped up and led the other royals, including Princess Anne.

A royal watcher told MailOnline: ‘Prince Andrew and the Yorks are firmly back in the fold.’

It is the first time the Duke of York has attended a public event since the Christmas Day service at Sandringham. And it was almost two years ago that he settled the sexual assault case brought against him by Virginia Giuffre, a sex slave victim of Andrew’s friend Jeffrey Epstein.

The settlement was never disclosed but was estimated to be worth approximately £12 million ($16.3 million). It spared him the need to testify under oath at any trial in the US, and it was claimed the Queen helped him pay for that.

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 retiring from public life following his cancer diagnosis.

Camilla’s role in the agency will see her take charge again as she tries to take the pressure off her husband.

Members of the royal family have rallied behind the king, with Prince William returning to his duties after spending time caring for his wife, Princess Kate.

Due to a separate health crisis, the Princess of Wales was admitted to the London Clinic for a planned abdominal operation, and will be unable to fulfill royal duties until at least Easter.

Last month, Greece’s royal family put on a somber display as they attended a memorial service to mark one year since the death of King Constantine.

He died “of a stroke”, local media reported, after several hospital admissions in the previous months.

High-profile royals including Constantine’s son Crown Prince Pavlos and Dowager Queen Anne Marie attended a private ceremony at the former summer palace of Tatoi, just outside Athens.