Prince Andrew makes shock appearance at Duchess of Kent's funeral as crowds gasp

Prince Andrew has unexpectedly showed up to the funeral of the Duchess of Kent.

He arrived with Sarah Ferguson to gasps from members of the public as the two quickly made their way inside the cathedral. Senior members of the Royal Family - including King Charles III and the Prince and Princess of Wales - are gathering ahead of the service at Westminster Cathedral in London today. Queen Camilla has meanwhile been forced to pull out of the event after falling ill.

Andrew and Fergie were earlier seen leaving their home at Royal Lodge in Windsor today with a police escort ahead of the funeral. Once they arrived, Andrew was seen with the four members of the clergy waiting outside who smiled broadly at him. Shortly beforehand, the Duke of Kent’s brother, Prince Michael of Kent, arrived, appearing frail and walking slowly using a stick as he made his way into the church for her funeral mass.

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He was accompanied by his wife Princess Michael of Kent, who was also using a stick. With them was their daughter Lady Gabriella Windsor, and they led a large contingent of the royal family all dressed in black in mourning, including Lord Frederick Windsor and Lady Sophie Windsor, with some of the party arriving together by minibus.

The Duchess, who was the wife of the late Queen Elizabeth II's cousin, will be laid to rest this afternoon. The event marks the first Catholic funeral for a Royal Family member in modern times. The private service will feature a message from Pope Leo.

Buckingham Palace earlier confirmed that the duchess died peacefully at her Kensington Palace home surrounded by her family. In a statement, The Palace said: “It is with deep sorrow that Buckingham Palace announces the death of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent.

“Her Royal Highness passed away peacefully last night at Kensington Palace, surrounded by her family. The King and Queen and all Members of The Royal Family join The Duke of Kent, his children and grandchildren in mourning their loss and remembering fondly The Duchess’s life-long devotion to all the organisations with which she was associated, her passion for music and her empathy for young people.”