The monarchy is going through a turbulent period in the wake of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest, but despite this ongoing black shadow over the royal family, King Charles has put on a steadfast display in London. On Tuesday, he put on a united front with his wife Queen Camilla and was also supported by Princess Anne and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester for a ceremony at St James’s Palace. Duchess Sophie was in Somalia at the time, but her husband Prince Edward was notably absent from the event with no obvious prior engagement.
HELLO! understands that the 61-year-old brother of King Charles was unable to attend due to having a cold, meaning he had to withdraw from the guestlist at the last minute. While the royals do try and keep to their busy diaries, sometimes rest and recuperation is required. While Edward missed out, the other members of the firm ploughed on, presenting the Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Education.
The royal family’s united front
HELLO!’s royal editor Emily Nash gave an insight into how important the event was a show of solidarity. She said: “At a hugely challenging time for the royal family, it must be a comfort to have his sister, the Princess Royal, as well as the Queen and Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, alongside him to show a united front.”
© POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesPhotographs from the event show Charles, Camilla and Anne mingling with guests invited to the ceremony, putting on brave faces amid the controversy.
Over the weekend, the Princess of Wales made a rare set of two consecutive appearances, attending the rugby at Twickenham on Saturday and the BAFTA awards with Prince William on Sunday. Another demonstration that it is ‘business as usual’ for the firm who will be trying to counteract all this bad press with some positive stories around their important charity work.
Speaking to HELLO!, royal expert Phil Dampier explained that the continuation of appearances “helps to show that the show is carrying on, keep calm and carry on”.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest
Eyes are on the royals more than ever, following Andrew’s arrest last week on his 66th birthday, where he was questioned under suspicion of misconduct in public office. He is still under investigation despite being released 11 hours after being arrested.
© Chris Jackson/Getty ImagesCharles’ brother attempted to go incognito when leaving Aylsham Police Station, but he was pictured in the back of a car and that photo has since gone viral on the internet.
King Charles on the Andrew scandal
Although Charles is housing his brother on his private estate, he has made publicly clear his stance on the Andrew situation. Buckingham Palace shared a statement from the King, which read: “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.”
© Getty Images“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,” His Majesty continued.
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