Princess Anne carried out her royal duties with a scheduled visit to a prison — a typical event made incredibly awkward, following the arrest of her brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, just hours earlier.
Andrew was arrested on Thursday, February 19, which is his 66th birthday, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest was made in the wake of new details being investigated over his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Previously, the former Prince Andrew was stripped of his royal titles and was evicted by his brother, King Charles, from his royal residence.
Princess Anne had a timely royal visit to a prison
In the hours following the arrest, Princess Anne continued with a scheduled visit to HM Prison Leeds. The prison is a men’s category B prison — a high-security, closed institution for prisoners deemed high risk to the public. The Princess Royal is a patron of the Butler Trust, intended to “improve the management, care, and rehabilitation of offenders.”
The visit was logged in the Court Circular, which is the official record of the British Royal Family’s public engagements. However, no photos from the visit were permitted for release. Similarly, King Charles and Queen Camilla were also carrying on with royal engagements in the wake of Andrew’s arrest. Charles attended a show at London Fashion Week and later held a reception at St. James’ Palace. Camilla attended a concert and met with musicians at Sinfonia Smith Square Hall.
Following the arrest of his brother, King Charles released a statement supporting the investigation. “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office,” the statement began.
The monarch advocated for the “full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated.” He added that the police “have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation.”
“Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.”
TELL US – DO YOU THINK THE ROYALS SHOULD CONTINUE TO DO PUBLIC EVENTS IN THE WAKE OF ANDREW’S ARREST?
