The Prince and Princess of Wales were reportedly heckled about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest during their red carpet appearance at the BAFTAs.
Catherine and William made their first joint appearance since the bombshell arrest on Sunday evening at the Royal Festival Hall, putting on a united display – with the Princess even matching her belt to her husband’s velvet burgundy suit.
They delighted royal fans with the surprise outing, which marked Catherine’s first appearance at the awards ceremony in three years following her cancer treatment and announcement that she is now in remission. William, in his role as the BAFTA president, attended solo in 2024 and both missed last year’s ceremony.
The couple put on a loved-up display and appeared in bright spirits, laughing and chatting as they walked the star-studded carpet.
Photo: © Getty Images
However, they did face one tricky moment and were put on the spot with a question about William’s Uncle, the former Prince Andrew, according to PEOPLE Magazine. The couple were said to have been asked: “Is the monarchy in peril?” However, they did not respond, PEOPLE reported.
What have the royals said about Andrew’s arrest?
Just hours after his brother’s arrest last week, King Charles released a statement expressing his “deepest concern”.
The monarch 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.
Photo: © Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace
“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.”
We understand that neither the King nor Buckingham Palace had been informed of the arrest before it happened. The Prince and Princess of Wales are understood to have supported the King’s statement.
Photo: © Getty Images
Prior to the arrest, the King said he was “ready to support” Thames Valley Police in their ongoing investigation into Andrew on suspicion of misconduct in public office. William and Catherine also admitted “deep concern” in a statement released prior to the Prince of Wales’s visit to Saudi Arabia at the start of the month, but have not commented since the arrest.
Andrew’s arrest
Photo: © REUTERS/Phil Noble
Plain-clothed police officers were seen arriving at Sandringham, the King’s private estate in Norfolk, in patrol cars just after 8am last Thursday. The former Prince is living at Wood Farm Cottage after the King evicted him from his home of 22 years, Royal Lodge, in Windsor.
He spent 11 hours in custody on his 66th birthday before being released. Police are continuing to investigate and have this week carried out further searches at Royal Lodge.
