Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton put on a united front at the 2026 BAFTAs, brushing off the ongoing controversy surrounding relative Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s recent arrest.
William, 43, and Kate, 44, made a joint appearance at the Sunday, February 22, awards ceremony in London, where the couple color-coordinated in burgundy. While the Prince of Wales opted for a dapper velvet suit, his better half looked regal in an off-the-shoulder gown.
As William and Kate walked down the red carpet, they received a question about the state of the monarchy in the wake of the former Duke of York’s legal troubles associated with his connection to late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
“Your highnesses, is the monarchy in peril?” one attendee shouted, per social media footage.
William and Kate brushed off the comment and continued walking down the path without an acknowledgment.
William’s uncle Andrew, 66, was arrested on Thursday, February 19, over charges of alleged misconduct in public office.
“Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office,” Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said in a statement. “It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offense. We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”
Andrew, who has not publicly addressed the accusations, was released from police custody within hours. William and Kate, meanwhile, did not publicly address the legal battle. Us Weekly learned later on Thursday that the couple had no plans to release a public statement.
William’s father, King Charles III, did release a statement after his brother’s arrest.
“I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office,” Charles, 77, said, referring to his brother. “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 cooperation.”
Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton are addressing the revelations related to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein as more documents are uncovered. “I can confirm The Prince and Princess have been deeply concerned by the continuing revelations. Their thoughts remain focused on the victims,” a spokesperson for the couple said on Monday, February 9, as […]
The king continued, “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.”
Andrew was formally stripped of his royal titles and duties in October 2025 over his resurfaced associations with Epstein. (Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trail over sex trafficking charges.)
“In discussion with The King, and my immediate and wider family, we have concluded the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family,” Andrew said in a statement at the time. “I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first. I stand by my decision five years ago to stand back from public life.”
He concluded, “With His Majesty’s agreement, we feel I must now go a step further. I will therefore no longer use my title or the honors which have been conferred upon me. As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me.”
Virginia Giuffre, who died in 2025, previously accused Andrew of sexual assault after they were allegedly set up by an associate of Epstein’s. Andrew denied the allegations and settled with Giuffre out of court for an undisclosed sum.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
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