Updated Feb. 19, 2026, 1:31 p.m. ET
King Charles III shocked royal onlookers by sitting front row at a fashion show on the same day younger brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public life.
The British monarch was spotted at the opening of London Fashion Week on Thursday, Feb. 19. The appearance coincided with the arrest of the former Prince Andrew, who was apprehended by British police Thursday, Feb. 19, the day of his birthday; Mountbatten-Windsor has not been charged.
The former royal has faced intense scrutiny over his friendship with the late convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein. Mountbatten-Windsor, 66, has denied any wrongdoing and said he regrets the friendship. He has not responded to requests for comment following the latest Epstein files published by the U.S. Justice Department.
According to event photos, Charles attended British Nigerian designer Tolu Coker’s show. The king, who donned an all-gray suit and baby pink tie, sat next to British fashion designer Stella McCartney and British Fashion Council CEO Laura Weir as he took in the various runway looks. He pointed to various ensembles as the models strutted by and clapped excitedly during the show.
The former prince and reigning British monarch are the sons of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. Charles, 77, was born in 1948, while Andrew, 66, was born in 1960. Their other siblings include brother Prince Edward, 61, and sister Princess Anne, 75.
After his brother’s arrest, King Charles released a statement showing support for the police’s investigation.
“I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office,” the king 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,” Charles continued. “In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and cooperation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.”
Charles and Andrew’s relationship appears to have become strained in recent years, amid the former prince’s growing controversies.
According to previous reporting from The Sunday Times, Charles cut off the disgraced royal financially in 2024 when he removed Andrew’s £1 million ($1.3 million) annual allowance, leaving him with a £20,000 (approximately $26,000) naval pension.
In October, the king formally stripped Andrew of his royal titles, due to mounting scrutiny of his association with Epstein.
Contributing: Kim Hjelmgaard, USA TODAY