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King Charles makes first public appearance after his brother’s arrest

King Charles arrived at a London Fashion Week show in the wake of his brother’s arrest

King met with mixed reactions arriving for event after issuing statement on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

King Charles attended a fashion show in London on Thursday, just hours after his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Charles greeted onlookers with a wave as he arrived at Tolu Coker's London Fashion Week show and was met with applause inside the room.

Watching the British-Nigerian designer's collection, he was seen deep in conversation with British Fashion Council Chief Laura Weir and designer Stella McCartney on the front row.

Earlier on Thursday, Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested by police and detained in custody to be questioned over allegations he sent confidential government documents to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

The arrest of the senior royal, eighth in line to the throne, is unprecedented in modern times and presents Charles with the biggest crisis of his reign.

King Charles sat next to Stella McCartney to watch the Tolu Coker show at London Fashion Week on Thursday, hours after his brother’s arrest
King Charles sat next to Stella McCartney to watch the Tolu Coker show at London Fashion Week on Thursday, hours after his brother’s arrest (PA)

The king issued a statement expressing his “deepest concern” about the news. “Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.”

He added, “Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.”

Charles' visit to London Fashion Week, which was planned in advance, combined his eye for classic British style with his support for traditional crafts.

The monarch, a long-time customer at London's famed Savile Row street of tailors, watched as models presented the latest creations by Ms Coker, who is known for celebrating cultural identity and craftsmanship in her work.

Charles, 77, follows in his late mother's footsteps by attending a London Fashion Week show. In 2018, Queen Elizabeth sat beside fashion editor Anna Wintour on the front row at Richard Quinn's show.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested by UK police, following new revelations about his connection to Jeffrey Epstein
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested by UK police, following new revelations about his connection to Jeffrey Epstein (Getty)

Ms Coker, who launched her eponymous brand in 2021, was showing as part of the British Fashion Council's NEWGEN programme, which provides financial support and mentoring for new designers.

Before the show, Charles toured exhibitions at the London Fashion Week hub, including one by designer McCartney, known for using alternatives to leather and fur in her designs, focusing on sustainable British innovation.

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