Kate Middleton and Prince William back King Charles’ response to former Prince Andrew’s arrest
LONDON, UK: Kate Middleton and Prince William are standing behind King Charles following the arrest of the former Prince and Charles III's younger brother, Andrew.
The Prince and Princess of Wales are not expected to release a separate statement, signaling their support for the King’s response. Andrew was arrested on February 19 on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
King Charles releases statement after Andrew's arrest
Kate Middleton and Prince William did not release a separate statement following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, but sources told People that they support the King’s response.
Shortly after the arrest, King Charles, 77, issued a statement through Buckingham Palace, stressing that the royal household would cooperate fully with authorities.
“I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office,” the King said.
He added that the matter must now go through a “full, fair and proper process” handled by the appropriate authorities.
The King emphasized the palace’s “full and wholehearted support and co-operation” with the investigation. “Let me state clearly: the law must take its course,” he said. "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."
Earlier this month, a spokesperson for Prince William, 43, and Princess Kate, 44, said the couple felt “deeply concerned” about ongoing revelations related to convicted offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The spokesperson said on February 9, during William’s official visit to Saudi Arabia, that their thoughts remain with the victims following the latest release of Epstein-related files on January 30.
Thames Valley Police issued statement after former Prince Andrew’s arrest
Thames Valley Police said just over a week ago that they were reviewing claims against Mountbatten-Windsor that appeared in the latest batch of Epstein files released by the US Justice Department. Officers were deciding whether the claims required a formal investigation.
On Thursday, police confirmed that they arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office. They also searched properties in Berkshire and Norfolk. As is standard practice, police did not name the man in their statement.
Shortly after 8 am local time, six unmarked police vehicles arrived at Wood Farm, Andrew’s current home on King Charles’ Sandringham estate in Norfolk. Later that day, sources reported that officers were also present at Royal Lodge, Andrew’s former home on the Windsor estate near London.
Police later said they had released the man under investigation, meaning he was free to leave without restrictions while the inquiry continues. Officers also confirmed that they had finished the searches in Norfolk.
They added that they informed the Home Office, the government department responsible for policing and national security, 30 minutes before making the arrest, in line with normal procedure.
If Andrew is formally charged with misconduct in public office, he could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment under British law.
