Kate Middleton has made her first public appearance since the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
On Thursday morning, the former prince was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office.
Andrew – who also marked his 66th birthday on the same day – was arrested by officers at his residence on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.
The decision came amid growing unrest surrounding Andrew’s friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and the allegations of sexual abuse made against him by the late Virginia Giuffre.
However, the arrest was not in reference to any sexual abuse allegations, but was in connection with claims that Andrew had shared confidential information during his time as a trade envoy.
Around nine hours after the news of his arrest first broke, Thames Valley Police confirmed on Thursday evening that they had “released under investigation” “a man in his sixties from Norfolk”.
A few days on from the development, Andrew’s niece-in-law – Catherine, Princess of Wales – has now been spotted in public for the first time since the arrest.
On Saturday, the Princess of Wales attended Twickenham Stadium to watch England take on Ireland in the Men’s Six Nations.
Kate – who is a patron of the Rugby Football Union – donned an England Rugby scarf and a dark blue coat for the occasion, and was photographed smiling in the stands.
The Princess’ husband, Prince William, did not attend the match with her.
Prior to Andrew’s arrest on Thursday, the Prince and Princess of Wales released a statement about him for the first time, noting that they were “deeply concerned” about revelations in the Epstein files.
On February 9, a representative for the couple said: “I can confirm the Prince and Princess have been deeply concerned by the continuing revelations. Their thoughts remain focused on the victims.”
A few hours later, a Buckingham Palace rep released a statement on behalf of the King and Queen, confirming that they “stand ready” to support the police in any official investigations into Andrew.
“The King has made clear, in words and through unprecedented actions, his profound concern at allegations which continue to come to light in respect of Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor’s conduct,” the palace said in their statement.
“While the specific claims in question are for Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor to address, if we are approached by Thames Valley Police, we stand ready to support them as you would expect,” the statement continued.
“As was previously stated, Their Majesties’ thoughts and sympathies have been, and remain with, the victims of any and all forms of abuse,” they concluded.
Andrew continues to “vigorously deny” all allegations of sexual abuse made against him.
