William and Kate Are ‘Concerned’ Andrew's Arrest Would Take a Toll on King Charles' Health
Insiders claim King Charles is exhausted as Andrew investigation continues.
The Prince and Princess of Wales stepped onto the BAFTAs red carpet with their usual demeanor. But what several eagle-eyed observers caught was a real strain within the royal family. Prince William’s admission that he was “not in a calm state” was seen by many as just more than a passing comment. According to insiders, it meant he was indirectly hinting at the pressure that is being felt after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest.
Sources say William and Catherine are particularly worried about King Charles's health as he continues his cancer treatment. “He is exhausted, and it’s draining for him,” a well-placed insider said, suggesting that the ongoing scandal is taking a toll, the Daily Mail reported.
It is understood that the couple supports the King’s firm response. After Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest, King Charles, in a statement, said, “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office. What follows is the full, fair, and proper process by which this issue is investigated 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.”
However, within the palace, it is said frustration has been growing. “William is frustrated because it’s still likely to be a problem on his plate when he eventually becomes King,” a royal insider told the Daily Mail. “I’m sure the Prince and Princess of Wales have been itching to say something publicly to distance themselves, but they have to be cautious because of the police investigation.”
The same source added that the couple knows this will not fade quickly. “I think William and Kate are acutely aware that this is a scandal that won’t be going away for a long time. It’s a mess left by Andrew and the late Queen, and, although His Majesty is very much in charge, William is frustrated.” At the BAFTAs—William's first public appearance since the arrest—the pair stood united. Kate wore a rose-colored Gucci gown, while William matched her in a coordinated blazer. But the strain was too noticeable. “The Princess looked so elegant, but you can see that this is all causing strain, and that’s the last thing she needs,” the source said.
Middleton kept the tone light during the evening, joking that she had watched Hamnet and ended up in “floods of tears” with “very puffy eyes.” A second insider said, “Obviously, William is not feeling calm, and he would have spoken on behalf of them both. It’s a terrible situation, and they are very concerned about the health of the King and the impact this will have on him. He is exhausted, and it's draining for him.” “Also, as parents of young children, to be reading all of this is pretty awful, and they are clearly concerned.” The source said, “William let this slip out last during a conversation, and he would have done that on purpose; that is very clear. But Catherine has kept very quiet.”
