Prince William dodges reporter's bold Prince Andrew query: 'Can't hear'
Prince William was put on the spot with a question about the scandal surrounding his uncle, Prince Andrew on his very first official engagement of 2022.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge kicked off the new year with a visit to the Foundling Museum in London on Wednesday.
The royal couple was all smiles as they participated in an art therapy session and listened to a music performance at the UK's oldest children's charity.
As the pair were saying their goodbyes and making their exit, a reporter asked William, 39, about the Duke of York who was officially stripped of his military titles and royal patronages by the Queen the previous week.
"Your Royal Highness, could I just ask, do you support Prince Andrew?" the reporter interjected as aides escorted Will and Kate, 40, out of the building.
The prince appeared to miss the question and leaned in closer to say, "Sorry, I can't hear you".
RELATED:
Judge rejects Prince Andrew's bid to dismiss sexual abuse lawsuit
Piers Morgan's warning to Prince Andrew: 'Far worse to come'
The reporter repeated himself, saying, "Do you support Prince Andrew? Have you spoken to him recently?"
At this point, royal minders quickly swooped in to hurry the duke and duchess away as Wills appeared to laugh and smile behind his face mask.
Kate, who was shrugging on her blue coat, walked right by the reporter as an aide said, "We've got to move on now".
The scandal engulfing the Queen's second son came to a head on January 12 when a US judge ruled Prince Andrew's trial for sex offences could go ahead.
The Duke of York will face a civil trial over the sex assault allegations from Virginia Giuffre, 38, who has accused the duke of sexual abuse when she was 17.
Prince Andrew strongly denies the claims and says he has no memory of ever meeting Ms Giuffre.
The following day Buckingham Palace released a statement announcing that the 61-year-old duke would lose his titles and patronages and would 'continue not to undertake any public duties'.
According to ITV's royal editor Chris Ship, the decision to remove Prince Andrew's titles was made during 'crisis talks' led by the Queen and Prince Charles. Other senior royals including Prince William are said to have been involved.
A royal source told PA the military posts would be redistributed to other members of the royal family, meaning Andrew's removal from public life is a permanent one.
The duke first stepped down from public duties in 2019, after a disastrous BBC interview over his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Never miss a thing. Sign up to Yahoo Lifestyle’s daily newsletter.
Or if you have a story idea, email us at lifestyle.tips@yahooinc.com.
