LONDON — Prince William appeared visibly affected by the recent arrest of his uncle, former Prince Andrew, during his first public outing since the scandal broke, admitting to reporters that he was not in a "calm state" amid the unfolding family crisis.
The Prince of Wales, accompanied by his wife, Catherine, Princess of Wales, attended the British Academy Film Awards, known as the BAFTAs, at London's Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall on Sunday evening. The event marked a significant moment for the royal family, coming just days after Andrew's arrest on Thursday, February 19, 2026, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. William, who serves as president of BAFTA, walked the red carpet alongside Catherine, drawing attention not only for their presence but for his candid remarks about the emotional toll of the situation.
During interactions with the press, William was asked if he had watched the historical drama Hamnet, directed by Chloé Zhao and based on the life of William Shakespeare. The prince responded openly, saying, "I need to be in quite a calm state, and I am not at the moment. I will save it." His words, reported by the Daily Mail, underscored the personal strain caused by Andrew's legal troubles, which have reignited scrutiny over the former prince's associations with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Catherine, who had viewed the film the previous night, offered a lighter contrast to her husband's mood. She described the movie as a "presentation of intergenerational grief" and shared that it left her in "floods of tears." "I thought it was a bad idea, actually. Ended up with very puffy eyes," she told reporters, according to accounts from the event. The couple also mentioned having "a long list of films that we still need to get through," hinting at a desire to return to normalcy despite the surrounding turmoil.
This BAFTAs appearance was particularly poignant for Catherine, as it was her first since announcing her cancer diagnosis earlier in the year. Just the day before, on Saturday, she had attended a championship rugby match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium in London, her initial public engagement following Andrew's arrest and release from custody hours later on February 19.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, once second in line to the throne and now eighth, was detained by authorities on suspicion of misconduct related to his past role in public office. He was released from police custody later that same day. The arrest has thrust the royal family back into the spotlight over Andrew's long-standing ties to Epstein, who died by apparent suicide in a Manhattan jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Public and legal interest has intensified with the release of emails from the U.S. Department of Justice as part of the Epstein files. According to these documents, Andrew shared reports of official trade visits with Epstein shortly after receiving them himself. One email reportedly showed the former prince forwarding the information to Epstein just five minutes after it arrived in his inbox, raising questions about the nature of their relationship and potential improprieties during Andrew's time as a working royal.
King Charles III, Andrew's brother and William's father, addressed the arrest in a statement expressing his "deepest concern." The monarch emphasized the importance of due process, saying, "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 added firmly, "Let me state clearly: the law must take its course." Charles concluded by noting that it would not be appropriate for him to comment further, while affirming that "my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all."
Despite the gravity of the situation, Charles maintained his royal duties undeterred. On the day of Andrew's arrest, February 19, he opened London Fashion Week at 180 The Strand, touring exhibitions that highlighted British craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainability. Among the displays he visited were those from Brand63Africa and the collection by designer Stella McCartney. The palace shared details of the event on X, formerly Twitter, underscoring the king's commitment to public service amid private family challenges.
The scandal has also prompted discussions within government circles about Andrew's position in the line of succession. Officials are reportedly considering whether to remove him entirely, a move that would echo the historical precedent set in 1936 when Edward VIII was stripped of his place after abdicating the throne to marry Wallis Simpson. Queen Elizabeth II's father, George VI, ascended in his stead, reshaping the monarchy for decades.
Experts have weighed in on the broader family dynamics, particularly how Andrew's daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, are navigating the fallout. According to royal observers cited in recent reports, the sisters are torn between loyalty to their father and preserving their own legacies within the royal fold. The arrest on his birthday has added a layer of personal poignancy, complicating their public roles.
William and Catherine's presence at the BAFTAs, an event that draws Hollywood stars like Kate Hudson and Emma Stone, served as a reminder of the royals' cultural patronage. Catherine dazzled in an elegant gown, her poise evident despite the week's events. The awards ceremony itself celebrated achievements in film, with Hamnet among the highlighted works, though William's decision to postpone viewing it reflected the immediate pressures on the family.
The Epstein connection continues to cast a long shadow over the Windsors. Andrew settled a civil lawsuit in 2022 brought by Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein's accusers, who alleged he abused her as a teenager. Andrew has denied any wrongdoing, and no criminal charges have been filed in that matter to date. The current investigation into misconduct in public office stems from his official duties, potentially linking back to those Epstein interactions revealed in the DOJ emails.
As the legal process unfolds, the royal family faces questions about transparency and accountability. King Charles's statement signals a unified front in supporting the authorities, but insiders suggest private tensions remain high. William, as the heir apparent, has long distanced himself from his uncle's controversies, focusing instead on his initiatives in mental health and environmental causes.
Looking ahead, the potential removal of Andrew from the line of succession could streamline the monarchy's structure, placing greater emphasis on William's direct lineage. For now, the Prince and Princess of Wales appear determined to carry on, blending personal resilience with public duty. Their appearance at the BAFTAs, fraught with unspoken weight, offered a glimpse into the human side of royal life under scrutiny.
The investigation into Andrew's conduct is expected to continue, with authorities promising a thorough review. Meanwhile, the royal calendar presses on, with upcoming engagements that will test the family's ability to maintain composure. As one palace source put it anonymously, the Windsors are "navigating uncharted waters," but their history of endurance suggests they will weather this storm as they have others.