King Charles and Prince William Left in the Dark on Ex-Prince Andrew's Arrest

Prince William and King Charles III were unaware that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor would be arrested on Thursday, coinciding with his 66th birthday. King Charles expressed "deepest concern" following the arrest.

Royal Reaction

King Charles issued a statement emphasizing a fair investigation process and reiterated his support for the authorities handling the matter. He noted that it would not be appropriate to comment further, but assured ongoing commitment to public service amid these events.

Queen Camilla continued her official duties, attending a music event in London without commenting on the situation involving Andrew. William and Kate Middleton supported King Charles' statement but have not personally commented.

Background on Arrest

Andrew's arrest is linked to allegations of misconduct involving forwarding sensitive documents while serving as a representative for trade. His ties with Jeffrey Epstein have been scrutinized since 2019 after an interview led him to step back from public duties.

In addition, Andrew faced a sex abuse lawsuit which he settled out of court; he was subsequently stripped of military affiliations and titles, and recently moved out of his residence at Royal Lodge.

Legal Implications

The legal outcomes for Andrew remain uncertain, but if convicted, he could face life imprisonment. The situation continues to attract significant public and media attention due to his high-profile connections and past controversies.