Queen Camilla’s awkward response to query about former prince Andrew’s arrest
Queen Camilla offered an awkward reaction when a member of the public asked if she was concerned about her brother-in-law Andrew’s arrest
Queen Camilla leaves after her visit to Sinfonia Smith Square Hall
The Queen offered a polite wave but no words when she was confronted by a question about her brother-in-law’s arrest during a public appearance in Westminster.
Camilla had just attended a lunchtime orchestral performance at Sinfonia Smith Square Hall when a voice from the crowd called out: “Are you concerned about Andrew’s arrest, Your Majesty?” The question came as she approached her waiting car outside the venue, making her the first senior royal to be seen in public since the dramatic development earlier in the day.
Dressed for the engagement and smiling as she acknowledged well-wishers and photographers, the Queen did not respond to the shouted question. Instead, she continued to wave before stepping into the vehicle, leaving the inquiry hanging in the air.
Her brief but pointed encounter with the public came against the backdrop of an extraordinary day for the Royal Family. Earlier that morning, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested by Thames Valley Police on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest took place on his 66th birthday and marked the first time in modern history that a senior royal has been taken into custody.
Police activity continued throughout the day. Officers were seen at Andrew’s temporary residence, Wood Farm, on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, with unmarked vehicles and plain-clothed officers gathering outside the property. At the same time, multiple police vans arrived at his former home, Royal Lodge, in Berkshire, where a search operation remains ongoing.
Despite the high-profile investigation, life in the surrounding areas carried on as normal. Members of the public – including joggers, dog walkers and children on scooters – moved through the expansive parkland around the Berkshire estate. Members of the press, however, were kept at a distance, stationed beyond the outer gates near Windsor Great Park and barred from entering the grounds.
The arrest follows renewed scrutiny of Andrew’s past connections to convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew has previously denied any wrongdoing in relation to his links with Epstein and has not directly addressed the latest allegations.
In response to the arrest, the King issued a strongly worded statement, emphasising that the matter must be handled by the proper authorities. Charles 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.
“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.”
The message concluded with the signature “Charles R.”
The King had already removed Andrew’s right to use his princely style and stripped him of the Duke of York title four months ago, amid the ongoing fallout from the Epstein scandal. Nevertheless, he continued with his scheduled duties on Thursday, holding three in-person audiences at St James’s Palace around midday.
