King Charles has retreated to Sandringham after a busy week and a half navigating the royal crisis surrounding his family since the arrest of his brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
However, despite being in very close proximity to his disgraced sibling, HELLO! understands that the monarch has not visited Marsh Farm, has not seen Andrew, and has no plans to do so.
The King was pictured arriving at his Sandringham estate shortly before 3pm on Saturday. The monarch arrived in a black Range Rover and was at the wheel as he pulled up to his home. He flew to Norfolk by helicopter yesterday afternoon.
Alongside his family issues, Charles has been busy over the past week, including on two outings related to defence. On Thursday, the King headed to West Sussex, where he met military families and handled an air defence missile launcher. Meanwhile, on Friday, the monarch made an unannounced visit to the Northwood military headquarters, which is seen as the “nerve centre” of UK defence.
Andrew’s arrest
The King’s younger brother was arrested on 19 February, which also marked his 66th birthday, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The former Duke of York was held for 11 hours before being released from custody, although he remains under investigation.
WATCH: HELLO!’s royal editor Emily Nash reacts to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest
A statement released following the arrest read: “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 arrest came weeks after Andrew moved to Wood Farm following his eviction from Royal Lodge, where he had been living since 2004. Andrew will be moving to Marsh Farm in the coming weeks, however, the property is undergoing renovations ahead of moving in.
Charles’ statement
Following Andrew’s arrest, the monarch released a statement saying that the “law must take its course”.
ANDREW ARREST TIMELINE
8.00am: Police arrive at Wood Farm
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on his 66th birthday. Around eight plain-clothed police officers arrive at Wood Farm on the King’s private Sandringham estate just after 8am in six unmarked patrol cars. One officer carries a police-issue laptop. One car drives up the front drive while the other five enter through the back entrance to the five-bedroom farmhouse.
8.30am: Andrew escorted away
About 30 minutes later, an unmarked Norfolk police car leaves the premises. It is followed by another unmarked police car and a third vehicle containing the security team for Andrew. Range Rovers are seen driving away amid the arrest.
10.00am: Thames Valley Police releases statement
“As part of the investigation, we have today (19/2) arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk. The man remains in police custody at this time. We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance. Please also remember that this case is now active so care should be taken with any publication to avoid being in contempt of court.”
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright says: ”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.”
12.00pm: King Charles releases statement
”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. 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. Charles R.”
The statement read: “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.
“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.”
LISTEN: How Prince William ‘drew a line’ over relationship with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor