King Charles Faced Public Backlash at London Just Hours After Andrew’s Arrest

King Charles at the London Fashion Week at NEWGEN 180 The Strand on February 19, 2026; (inset) Andrew Mountbatten Windsor at Westminster Cathedral (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Jordan Peck/GC Images; (inset) Jordan Pettitt - Pool)

Feb. 20 2026, Published 07:01 AM. ET

As King Charles stepped out in London for his first public appearance since Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest, some of the people broke out in groans. This public reaction spoke volumes before the monarch got to utter a single word or reaction to the masses. Despite the shift in the atmosphere, he continued with his public engagement and arrived to cheers, shouted questions, and unmistakable sounds of disapproval.

King Charles attends the first day of London Fashion Week at NEWGEN 180 The Strand on February 19, 2026, in London, England. (Image Source: Getty Images | Jordan Peck/GC Images)

According to The Mirror, Charles has stepped out to kickstart London’s Fashion Week and graced the event with his presence. But as he stepped out of the car, disapproving groaning continued to get louder as some people began to question him about Mountbatten-Windsor’s being taken into custody. Some were also applauding the monarch, while others tried to voice their frustrations. Charles chose to ignore the questions about his brother’s arrest and did not respond to the remarks. He instead maintained a calm demeanor while entering the venue. The reaction was the result of the dramatic scenes that followed earlier that day as Police arrived at Wood Farm on Sandringham estate to detain Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Hours before the engagement, Buckingham Palace had issued a formal statement from the king regarding the unforeseen development. It 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." While agreeing to cooperate, the statement mentioned, “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.” He signed the message under “Charles R.”

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is seen returning after leaving police custody, following his arrest on February 19, 2026 in Sandringham, Norfolk. (Image Source: Getty Images | Peter Nicholls) — Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is seen returning after leaving police custody, following his arrest on February 19, 2026, in Sandringham, Norfolk. (Image Source: Getty Images | Peter Nicholls)

Earlier, on the morning of February 19, as many as six marked cars with eight plainclothed officers were seen entering Wood Farm around 8 am on Mountbatten Windsor’s birthday. They were also carrying police-issued laptops. As per the BBC, Thames Valley Police’s statement confirmed that they had indeed arrested a man in his 60s from Norfolk on the charges of suspicion of misconduct in public office. While he was in police custody, searches were carried out at locations like Berkshire and Norfolk. The arrest went through as the National Crime Agency confirmed it was supporting multiple police forces in the UK investigating the details surfacing in the Epstein files in order to “enable a full assessment of the information released.” He has since been released.

Queen Camilla leaves after her visit to Sinfonia Smith Square Hall on February 19, 2026 in London, England. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Stefan Rousseau) — Queen Camilla leaves after her visit to Sinfonia Smith Square Hall on February 19, 2026, in London, England. (Image Source: Getty Images | Stefan Rousseau)

Last week, another statement from Buckingham Palace confirmed it would “stand ready to support” police if approached over the claims trailing behind Mountbatten-Windsor’s name. They added that the King had made his “profound concern” clear over the ex-Duke’s alleged conduct. As per the claims, he shared sensitive information with Epstein as the UK’s trade envoy, a designation he held from 2001 to 2011. Meanwhile, Queen Camilla also followed Charles’ footsteps and carried out her own royal engagements by attending a concert at Sinfonia Smith Square hall in London while appearing composed.