King Charles quizzed about brother in first appearance since Andrew’s arrest

King Charles III arrived at London Fashion Week on Thursday, February 19, just hours after his brother, Prince Andrew, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.Wearing a dark suit, the monarch stepped out of his car at 180 Studios on The Strand to a mixed reaction from members of the public, with shouts, cheers and groans audible from the crowd lining the streets.In a statement issued earlier in the day, the King said the law must take its course after expressing his deepest concern over the arrest.The law must take its course, 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.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.It is understood that neither the King nor Buckingham Palace was informed in advance of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsors arrest. The Press Association reported that the Prince and Princess of Wales support the Kings statement. Despite the developments, Charles continued with his official engagements, holding three separate in-person audiences at St Jamess Palace at around midday. Dressed in a smart morning suit, he welcomed Spanish ambassador Emma Aparici Vazquez de Parga, El Salvadors ambassador Francisco Lima Mena and Kenyas high commissioner Maurice Makoloo in the palaces Throne Room.Meanwhile, Thames Valley Police confirmed it has opened an investigation into allegations linked to the former duke. The force previously said it was reviewing claims that a woman was trafficked to the UK by Jeffrey Epstein to have a s3xual encounter with Andrew, as well as allegations that sensitive information was shared while Andrew was serving as the UKs trade envoy.Images circulating online appeared to show unmarked police vehicles at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, with plain-clothed officers outside the property believed to be Andrews home. Searches are also being carried out at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk, the force said. Emails released by the US Department of Justice appeared to show the former duke sharing reports of official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore. One email dated November 2010 appeared to have been forwarded five minutes after it was sent by his then-special adviser Amir Patel. Another, sent on Christmas Eve 2010, appeared to include a confidential brief on investment opportunities in the reconstruction of Helmand Province, Afghanistan.Andrew has denied any wrongdoing in relation to his links with Epstein, but has not directly responded to the latest allegations. In a statement, Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence. We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.The post King Charles quizzed about brother in first appearance since Andrews arrest appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.