King Charles IIIshocked royal onlookers by sitting front row at a fashion show on the same day younger brotherAndrew Mountbatten-Windsorwasarrested 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 convictedsex 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 latestEpstein filespublished by the U.S. Justice Department.
Britain's King Charles III appeared alongside fashion designer Stella McCartney during Tolu Coker's runway, the opening show of London Fashion Week 2026 on Feb. 19, 2026. Britain's former prince Andrew was arrested the same day on suspicion of misconduct, with King Charles III saying in a statement "the law must take its course."" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
King Charles III and British Fashion Council CEO Laura Weir walk to his seat as he attends the first day of London Fashion Week." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
King Charles III arrives to the Tolu Coker fall/winter 2026 fashion show, opening London Fashion Week." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
King Charles III attends the Tolu Coker show during London Fashion Week 2026." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
King Charles III and British Fashion Council CEO Laura Weir speak during London Fashion Week." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
King Charles III looks on alongside the CEO of the British Fashion Council Laura Weir, left, and British fashion designer Stella McCartney, left, during London Fashion Week." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
King Charles III applauds designer Tolu Coker's fall/winter 2026 collection as he attends the first day of London Fashion Week at NEWGEN 180 The Strand on Feb. 19, 2026, in London." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
See King Charles at London Fashion Week amid brother's arrest
Britain's King Charles IIIappeared alongside fashion designer Stella McCartney during Tolu Coker's runway, the opening show of London Fashion Week 2026 on Feb. 19, 2026. Britain's former prince Andrewwas arrested the same day on suspicion of misconduct, with King Charles III saying in a statement "the law must take its course."
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 ofQueen Elizabeth IIandPrince Philip. Charles, 77, was born in 1948, while Andrew, 66, was born in 1960. Their other siblings include brotherPrince Edward, 61, and sisterPrincess Anne, 75.
Former Prince Andrew live updates:King Charles speaks out on brother's arrest
After his brother's arrest, King Charles released a statement showing support for the police's investigation.
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"I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office," the king said.
What happened to former Prince Andrew?Disgraced royal arrested over links to Epstein
"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 fromThe 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 kingformally stripped Andrew of his royal titles, due to mounting scrutiny of his association with Epstein.
Contributing: Kim Hjelmgaard, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:King Charles at London Fashion Week amid former Prince Andrew arrest
