Fin Baxter: Princess of Wales Makes First Public Appearance at Twickenham After Andrew's Arrest
fin baxter — The Princess of Wales made a high-profile return to public view at Twickenham on Saturday, 21 February, marking her first engagement since the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor; the appearance comes amid an active police investigation and visible royal silence on the matter, making the outing a closely watched moment for the monarchy.
Fin Baxter and the Twickenham appearance
Princess Kate, also referred to in coverage as Kate Middleton and Princess Kate, was at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday, 21 February, cheering on the England national rugby team in the Guinness Men's Six Nations match. She waved to fans in the crowd and was seen beaming, sporting an England scarf in her capacity as Patron of the Rugby Football Union and Rugby Football League.
Match details: England dismantled by Ireland at the Six Nations
The match at Twickenham saw England lose 42-21 to Ireland. The fixture was described as a heavy defeat for England in the Six Nations, and the Princess of Wales' presence at the game drew attention as the national team were dismantled on the pitch.
First public engagement since Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest
This was the Princess of Wales' first public engagement since the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. The former duke was taken into custody on suspicion of misconduct in public office on Thursday morning (February 19). He spent 11 hours in police custody and was released under investigation; that period in custody coincided with his 66th birthday, which he spent in police custody before being released under investigation.
Allegations, investigation and search activity
The arrest followed allegations linked to the release of documents concerning Jeffrey Epstein. The allegations suggest Andrew shared sensitive information with Epstein during his tenure as the UK's trade envoy. Thames Valley Police, who are heading up the investigation, have not yet received any "early investigative advice" from the Crown Prosecution Service regarding the allegation. Officers have requested that Andrew's former close protection team "consider carefully whether anything they saw or heard" whilst on duty could be pertinent to the investigation into Epstein and his associates.
Officers continued their search of Andrew's previous residence, Royal Lodge, in Windsor, Berkshire, with this activity anticipated to carry on until Monday. The investigation and searches remain active and developing.
Royal response: silence, support and public engagements
Following his arrest, the King stated that "the law must take its course" and assured 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 on the issue. The Duchess of Cornwall was also spotted at the Six Nations, in what was described as a first public appearance following the reported backing of the King by the Prince and Princess of Wales.
The King later attended the opening event of London Fashion Week just hours after the arrest, declining to comment when questioned about his response to the developments. The week has been described as challenging for the Royal Family as the investigation continues.
Where things stand and what to watch next
Andrew has refuted any wrongdoing regarding his association with the convicted sex offender but has yet to directly address the recent allegations. The police investigation is ongoing, with searches at Royal Lodge expected to continue until Monday and with inquiries into the testimony or recollections of the former close protection team under way. The Princess of Wales' public appearance at Twickenham, and other royal public movements in the days following the arrest, will remain closely observed as the situation develops.
