Fin Baxter: Princess of Wales makes first public appearance since Andrew’s arrest fin baxter
fin baxter The Princess of Wales cheered on the England national rugby team at Twickenham on Saturday, 21 February, in her first public appearance since the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Kate waved to fans as England were dismantled 42-21 by Ireland in the Six Nations.
Fin Baxter at Twickenham
Kate was at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday, 21 February, and was also spotted at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium for the Guinness Men's Six Nations match on the same day. She waved to supporters and was described as beaming with joy while cheering the England national rugby team on in the stands.
Match and score details
England were beaten 42-21 by Ireland in the Six Nations. The Princess of Wales was visible among the crowd wearing an England scarf and offering support from the stands during the match.
Kate’s role and reaction
As Patron of the Rugby Football Union and Rugby Football League, the Princess of Wales was seen sporting an England scarf and smiling in what was her first public engagement since a major family development. The appearance came after the arrest of the uncle of her husband, Prince William, and she maintained silence while backing the King’s statement on the matter.
Andrew’s arrest and custody
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on Thursday morning, February 19. The former duke spent his 66th birthday in police custody for 11 hours before being released under investigation.
Investigation and Royal response
The arrest followed allegations linked to the release of documents concerning paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein. The allegations suggest Andrew shared sensitive information with Epstein during his tenure as the UK's trade envoy. Andrew has refuted any wrongdoing regarding his association with the convicted sex offender but has not directly addressed the recent allegations.
King Charles said that "the law must take its course" and added that the police have "our full and wholehearted support and co-operation". Prince William and Kate maintained their silence while backing the King’s statement. The King attended the opening event of London Fashion Week just hours after the arrest and declined to comment when questioned about his response to the developments.
Thames Valley Police are heading up the investigation and have not yet received any "early investigative advice" from the Crown Prosecution Service. Officers have asked Andrew's former close protection team to "consider carefully whether anything they saw or heard" whilst on duty could be pertinent to the investigation into Epstein and his associates. Officers continued searching Andrew's former residence, Royal Lodge, in Windsor, Berkshire, with that activity anticipated to carry on until Monday.
The Princess of Wales's appearance on 21 February marked her first public engagement since Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest and came amid continuing police activity and an ongoing investigation.
