The Princess of Wales has stepped out for a solo outing for the England vs Ireland Six Nations rugby match, marking her first public appearance since Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest
Princess Kate has stepped out for the first time since Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest. The Princess of Wales has made a solo appearance at the England vs Ireland Six Nations match in Twickenham, West London, in her official role as Patron of the Rugby Football Union.
It is the first time Kate has been seen in public since Andrew was arrested on Thursday morning. The disgraced royal was taken into police custody on his 66th birthday when six unmarked police cars turned up at his temporary home of Wood Farm to detain him on suspicion of misconduct in a public office.
Today Kate sported a dark blue wool coat over a black jersey as she took her seat in the Twickenham stands just before kick-off, the outfit topped off by a red, white and blue England scarf emblazoned with the team’s red rose badge.
The Princess of Wales with RFU President Deborah Griffin (
Adam Davy/PA Wire)
Andrew, who is the first senior royal in modern history to be arrested, was held in custody for around 11 hours before he was released under investigation by Thames Valley Police. And while he was being arrested at Wood Farm, it is understood Prince William and Kate were just six miles away at their Anmer Hall home – also on the Sandringham estate.
A senior royal source said William and Kate were in full support of the King, who issued a statement following his brother’s arrest. He said that “the law must take its course” after expressing his “deepest concern” over Andrew’s arrest.
His written statement said: “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office. What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.
“In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course. As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.” He signed off the communication: “Charles R.”
The Princess of Wales with injured England player Fin Baxter (
Andrew Matthews/PA Wire.)
It comes as the King’s younger brother was pictured slouching and looking drained and exhausted in the back of a vehicle as he left Aylsham police station in Norfolk on Thursday evening.
Thames Valley Police said the former prince was released under investigation and searches on the Sandringham Estate had concluded. Its statement said: “Thames Valley Police is able to provide an update in relation to an investigation into the offence of misconduct in public office. On Thursday we arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrested man has now been released under investigation. We can also confirm that our searches in Norfolk have now concluded.”
Andrew was detained following allegations that he shared reports of official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, during his time as trade envoy to the UK.
William and Kate made their first statement about the Andrew scandal just last week, with a spokesperson for the royal couple saying they have been “deeply concerned by the continuing revelations. Their thoughts remain focused on the victims.”
