Cootamundra Herald

William in first solo appearance since Andrew's arrest

Updated February 26 2026 - 1:43pm, first published 1:39pm

Prince William has made his first public appearance since his uncle Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. 

William visited a biomedicine research centre in central London on Wednesday morning, local time, less than a week after former prince Andrew's arrest.

The heir to the British throne met brain researchers and senior biology students ahead of the Francis Crick Institute's 10-year anniversary later in 2026.

The prince was praised for his handling of a mouse sample at the biomedical research centre. (AP PHOTO)
The prince was praised for his handling of a mouse sample at the biomedical research centre. (AP PHOTO)

Wearing a white laboratory coat, William was shown how to prepare a mouse kidney cell sample for viewing, earning praise from the centre's chief.

Chief executive Edith Heard told the prince he was "doing a great job" handling the mouse sample, adding "we're hiring".

William surprised guests at the BAFTA awards on Sunday with an appearance alongside wife Kate, the couple's first at the ceremony in three years, just a few days after Andrew's arrest.

It was William's first public event since his surprise appearance at the BAFTAs with wife Kate.  (AP PHOTO)
It was William's first public event since his surprise appearance at the BAFTAs with wife Kate. (AP PHOTO)

The couple was reportedly heckled by an attendee on the red carpet. Later asked whether he had seen the nominated film Hamnet, William revealed he needed to be in a "calm state" to watch it, adding: "I'm not at the moment." 

William and Kate were said to have supported King Charles' statement following Andrew's arrest that "the law must take its course" as he expressed his "deepest concern" over the allegations surrounding his disgraced brother. 

The prince and princess are set to visit Wales on Thursday ahead of its national celebration, St David's Day, on March 1.

Australian Associated Press

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