The King declines to answer questions about the arrest of his brother

The King declined to answer questions about the arrest of his
brother as he carried out a scheduled engagement marking the start
of London Fashion Week on Thursday afternoon.

As he arrived at the central London venue, reporters asked
whether he had any reaction to the detention earlier in the day of
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public
office. The King did not respond and continued inside, where he was
greeted by well-wishers gathered along the route.

The engagement, hosted by the British Fashion Council, focused
on innovation and sustainability within British fashion –
long-standing areas of interest for the monarch. During the visit,
he toured an exhibition showcasing environmentally conscious design
and emerging technologies aimed at reducing the industry’s
environmental impact.

He also viewed a display curated by Stella McCartney, recently
appointed an ambassador for the King’s Sustainable Markets
Initiative, which promotes private-sector solutions to climate
change and sustainable development.

Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested at approximately 8am at Wood
Farm on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. It is understood that
several unmarked police vehicles and plain-clothes officers
attended the property.

Thames Valley Police confirmed that he had been detained on
suspicion of misconduct in public office and that searches were
being carried out at an address in Berkshire. He has not been
charged and is believed to be in police custody.

The investigation is understood to relate to whether sensitive
information was shared with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein
during the period when Mr Mountbatten-Windsor served as the United
Kingdom’s trade envoy. He has consistently denied wrongdoing.

Legal proceedings became active at the point of arrest.

Earlier, the King issued a written statement expressing “the
deepest concern” at the news of his brother’s arrest. Signed
“Charles R”, it said that 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,” the statement read. “Let me
state clearly: the law must take its course.”

The Palace indicated that neither the King nor his household had
been informed in advance of the arrest. The statement concluded
that it would not be appropriate to comment further while the
process continues, and that the Royal Family would remain focused
on their public duties.

By proceeding with the London engagement, the King signalled an
intention to maintain his public programme despite the unfolding
investigation – even as questions about his brother followed him to
the doors of the fashion showcase.