The Princess of Wales has been spotted at Twickenham this afternoon to support England against Ireland, fulfilling her patronage duties with the Rugby Football Union amid what has been described as the monarchy’s gravest crisis in modern times.
Catherine took her seat in the stands as the Royal Family grapples with the fallout from Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest two days ago.
Before kick-off, she was seen chatting and laughing with Fin Baxter, the injured England player.
Today’s fixture represents the third round of Six Nations action, with Princess Anne expected at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium later for the Wales versus Scotland encounter in her capacity as Scottish RFU patron.
The Princess of Wales was spotted at Twickenham on Saturday for England’s Six Nations
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The responsibility for restoring the monarchy’s reputation now rests firmly with William and Kate, who must articulate their vision for the institution over the coming decades in the aftermath of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
The couple have aligned themselves with the King Charles’s position that “the law must take its course” regarding William’s uncle.
Neither the prince nor princess has spoken publicly about the situation, though they are understood to have fully endorsed the King’s statement.
The pair have consistently backed The King’s efforts to create distance between the family and Andrew, including the decision to remove his titles last year.
The King issued an unprecedented statement just two hours after his younger brother’s arrest was confirmed, responding with remarkable speed for the institution.
“I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office,” the King said.
He pledged that investigators would receive the family’s “full and wholehearted support and co-operation” as the matter proceeds through proper channels.
Catherine was sat with Fin Baxter, who is injured and unable to play for England at the moment
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“Let me state clearly: the law must take its course,” His Majesty declared.
The monarch indicated he would refrain from further comment while the investigation continues, adding that he and his family would press on with their duties and service to the public.
Thames Valley Police officers arrived at Wood Farm, Andrew’s Sandringham residence, at 8am on Thursday morning, which happened to be his 66th birthday.
The former Duke of York was subsequently held for approximately 11 hours on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Upon leaving Aylsham Police Station in Norfolk that evening, he appeared visibly shaken, having been processed in the manner of an ordinary criminal suspect.
Investigators spent the day examining the Norfolk property and also conducted searches at Royal Lodge in Windsor.
The King emphasised his support for a thorough and appropriate investigation into the matter, signalling that proper legal procedures must be followed, a message the Prince and Princess of Wales are understood to support
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GETTYPolice activity at both locations is set to continue through to Monday as the investigation proceeds.
Andrew has consistently and strenuously denied any wrongdoing amid the ongoing allegations.