Prince Andrew attends Requiem Mass for Katharine, Duchess of Kent

Prince Andrew attended the private Requiem Mass for Katharine, Duchess of Kent at Westminster Cathedral on Tuesday, Sept. 16, drawing visible public reaction and sparking fresh scrutiny over his place in the royal family. The 65 year old Duke of York arrived with his ex wife, Sarah Ferguson, and was later photographed horse riding in Windsor, days after the service that brought together the King, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and other senior royals.

Buckingham Palace confirmed the duchess, a cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II, died on Sept. 4 at age 92. The Mass at Westminster Cathedral was notable as the first Catholic funeral for a member of the royal family in modern times, and included a message from the Pope and musical tributes reflecting the duchesss lifelong religious devotion. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said Queen Camilla had withdrawn from the service because she was recovering from acute sinusitis and sent her thoughts and prayers to the family.

Andrew’s attendance prompted immediate reaction. Some members of the public reportedly gasped as the couple arrived, and an anonymous mourner was quoted as saying the duke’s arrival felt overly public for a...