William and Kate Stand Behind King Charles' Position on Andrew's Arrest, Claims Report

Prince William, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, and Kate Middleton attend Katharine, Duchess of Kent's Requiem Mass service at Westminster Cathedral (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Max Mumby/Indigo)

Feb. 20 2026, Published 06:17 AM. ET

Prince William and Kate Middleton shall be standing firmly behind King Charles in the wake of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest. They aim to signal unity at the top of the monarchy as the scandal intensifies. The royal couple is in support of the monarch’s statement on the disgraced royal’s arrest, as per Page Six. The ex-Duke was taken into custody from his new Sandringham estate residence on the morning of his 66th birthday on February 19. This unexpected yet dramatic development has sent the royal family into crisis mode again.

King Charles III, Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales attend the funeral of The Duchess of Kent at Westminster Cathedral. (Image Source: Getty Images | Samir Hussein) — King Charles III, Prince William, and Kate Middleton attend the funeral of the Duchess of Kent at Westminster Cathedral (Image Source: Getty Images | Samir Hussein)

Following Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest, Charles laid bare his “deepest concern” as the accusations saw the light of day: “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.” The 77-year-old monarch addressed the situation in a statement by Buckingham Palace. He said, “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." He sternly added, “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.”

The former prince was detained on suspicion of misconduct in public office for allegedly passing on restricted information from trade documents to the late convict, Jeffrey Epstein. If convicted, he may have to serve a life sentence. The Thames Valley Police also released a statement after the arrest by revealing the man was in his “sixties” and from “Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office, and they are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.” Although they didn’t identify Mountbatten-Windsor by name, authorities showed up at his Wood Farm residence at Sandringham Estate on Thursday, February 19.

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)

The arrest was carried out amidst the backdrop of a fresh batch of Epstein files released on January 30 by the US Department of Justice, with over 3 million documents. The former prince, who served as the UK’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment from 2001 to 2011, allegedly sent reports to Epstein regarding his trips to Vietnam and Singapore in 2010, as per the emails in the files. It is a known fact that envoys must keep such details confidential even when they are no longer in the role, as per the Official Secrets Act. Anti-monarchy campaigner Graham Smith reported Andrew’s alleged misconduct to the police. They later confirmed they were “assessing” the allegations.

Image Source: Getty Images | Aaron Chown - WPA Pool — Prince William and Kate Middleton during a service of thanksgiving to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day at Westminster Abbey (Image Source: Getty Images | Aaron Chown/WPA Pool)

William and Middleton had previously made another statement after the release of the aforementioned files earlier this month. They stated they were “deeply concerned by the continuing revelations,” and how “their thoughts remained focussed on the victims,” as revealed by their spokesperson. As the investigation continues to move at a rapid pace, the couple’s response has made it clear that they are aligning themselves with Charles’ call for due process and accountability.