Prince Andrew 'positioned himself as leader of Royal Family' at King Constantine's memorial in Windsor and used 'power techniques to signify authority', body language expert claims

Prince Andrew 'positioned himself as leader of the Royal Family' at King Constantine's memorial in Windsor and 'used power techniques to signify authority', a body language expert has claimed.

The Duke of York, 64, attended the service at St George's Chapel with ex-wife Sarah Ferguson and other members of the Royal Family today. 

The royal father-of-two - who stepped down from royal duties two years ago - was seen leading members of The Firm into 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 explained: 'Andrew arrives in the front line, walking unsteadily slightly to the side which allows him to be seen in the role of host, looking back to check the rest of the group or chatting to his ex-wife and Anne’s husband Tim.' 

Pictured: Prince Andrew appeared in high spirits as he arrived at King Constantine's memorial service in Windsor today

As the group, which also consisted of Mike and Zara Tindall, approached the church entrance, Andrew put on a wide smile.

The expert continued: 'Grinning like the Cheshire Cat at a memorial service where everyone else is looking suitably solemn looks like an overkill performance ritual from Andrew who appears to apply the widest smile just as he walks within range of the cameras.'

Describing it as a 'lightning smile', Judi added: '[It is] one with no build-up or slow wind-down, which tends to suggest it is performed deliberately as a signal.'

The expert then reflected on Prince Andrew's last public appearance at Christmas - where he appeared similarly cheery as he attended church at Sandringham with his family.

Judi said: 'Andrew was seen in a similar state of cheeriness on his last outing with the royal group and this kind of random-looking grinning 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 rubs his hands but then, again as he hones into view, he suddenly begins to use very emphatic two-handed gesticulations as he talks to Tim.' 

According to body language expert Judi James, Prince Andrew's gestures signified he wanted to 'position himself in the role of leader' of the British royal group

Before going into the chapel for the service, Prince Andrew used 'tactile and very dominant' body language as he greeted the priest 

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

Before the service began, Judi stressed how Andrew used 'tactile and very dominant' behaviour with the clergyman who was waiting to greet them.

She explained: 'Andrew goes up to stand close to the man while grabbing him by the upper arm, which I have never seen anyone do to a bishop in full regalia before. 

'After an intimate-looking chat Andrew finishes off this odd display by patting the clergyman in a power pat that again suggests senior authority.'

Andrew was at front and centre of proceedings as King Charles takes a break from royal duties as he battles cancer and Prince William missed the service for 'personal reasons'. Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh were also absent.

Queen Camilla arrived separately meaning that Andrew, the Queen Elizabeth II's second born son, stepped forward and led in the other royals including Princess Anne.

One royal watcher told MailOnline: 'Prince Andrew and the Yorks are firmly back in the fold'. 

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 Honourable 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 on the front row

Queen Camilla is greeted as she attends the thanksgiving service this morning

It is the first time the Duke of York has attended a public event since the Christmas Day service at Sandringham. And it came almost two years to the day from when he settled the sexual assault case filed 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 around £12million ($16.3million). It spared him having to give evidence under oath at any trial in the US and there were claims that the Queen helped him pay for it.

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 in Windsor after drawing back from public life following his cancer diagnosis.

Prince Andrew drives to the service at Windsor Castle today with Sarah, Duchess of York

Penelope Knatchbull, Countess Mountbatten of Burma, Thomas Hooper and Lady Alexandra Hooper arrive at St George's Chapel today for the thanksgiving service for King Constantine

Prince William and Kate Middleton speak to King Constantine at Windsor Castle in 2012

King Constantine attends church with Charles and Camilla at Sandringham in December 2007

Camilla's role in the service will see her again taking the reigns as she works to take the pressure off her husband.

Members of the Royal family have rallied around the King, with Prince William returning to duties after spending time caring for his wife Princess Kate.

In a separate health scare, the Princess of Wales had been admitted to The London Clinic for planned abdominal surgery, and she will not be able to perform any royal engagements until at least Easter.

Last month the Greek royal family put on a sombre 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, following several hospital admissions in the months before.

High-profile royals, 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.