Kate Middleton Attends Rugby Match in First Appearance After Ex-Prince Andrew’s Arrest

Kate Middleton is making her first public appearance following the arrest of the former Prince Andrew.

On Saturday, Feb. 21, the Princess of Wales, 44, stepped out to attend the England vs. Ireland Six Nations Match at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, London. Princess Kate appeared as Patron of the Rugby Football Union, the national governing body for grassroots and elite rugby in England.

She coordinated an England Rugby scarf with a blue trench coat and a high-neck black top. The look was completed by wearing her hair in loose waves, while she kept her makeup subtle.

Princess Kate was seen in the stands speaking to injured England player Fin Baxter and RFU President Deborah Griffin before the match began.

The Princess of Wales’ sporty Saturday marked her first public appearance following the arrest of the former Duke of York, who is now referred to as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, on Thursday, Feb. 19.

Earlier this week, Andrew was arrested at Sandringham on suspicion of misconduct in public office. King Charles’ brother, who is Prince William’s uncle, was detained on the morning of his 66th birthday.

Authorities are investigating a claim that Andrew shared confidential information with the late Jeffrey Epstein during his tenure as trade envoy for the U.K. in the 2000s.

Andrew’s links to Epstein, an American financier and convicted sex offender, set his step back from royal life in motion in 2019. He has continuously denied any wrongdoing regarding their relationship and was released after spending about 11 hours in custody on Thursday.

The former Duke of York was arrested at Wood Farm, his current home on the Sandringham Estate, while Princess Kate and Prince William, 43, were just a few miles away.

The Prince and Princess of Wales were on the Sandringham Estate on Feb. 19 as they spent time at Anmer Hall, their country home just six miles away from Wood Farm. William and Kate’s children Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, are currently on a half-term break from school and the family is known to spend school holidays at their Norfolk home.

Shortly after his brother was detained, the King, 77, released a statement, pledging the palace’s “full and wholehearted support and co-operation” in the investigation.

“I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office. 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,” the sovereign’s statement began.

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,” he continued. “Charles R.”