Prince William Admits He Isn't in a ‘Calm State' After Andrew's Arrest

Prince William is sharing some insight into his current mindset just days after uncle Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested for alleged misconduct.

While walking the red carpet at the 2026 British Academy Film Awards on Sunday, February 22, William, 43, explained that he hadn't watched Hamnet because he needed to be in a calm mood to view it, according to the Daily Mail.

"I need to be in quite a calm state and I am not at the moment. I will save it," William reportedly said at Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall in London, attending the event alongside his wife, Princess Kate Middleton.

William shared that Kate, 44, watched the film one night prior and had "floods of tears," according to the outlet. Kate joked that watching Hamnet wasn't the best idea before attending the BAFTAs for the first time in two years.

"I thought it was a bad idea, actually. Ended up with very puffy eyes. It was so beautifully shot. The music as well. The score is fantastic," Kate shared, adding that she and William have "a long list of films that we still need to get through."

The couple's appearance on Sunday comes days after Andrew was arrested for allegedly engaging in illegal misconduct while serving in public office.

"Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office," Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said in a Thursday, February 19, statement. "It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offense. We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time."

The Thames Valley police department told the BBC that authorities were investigating claims that Andrew shared confidential information with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a U.K. trade envoy. (Epstein died by suicide in 2019 in jail while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.)

Andrew was released from police custody without hours of his arrest. Us Weekly learned on Thursday that Kate and William did not plan to release a public statement on the arrest, while King Charles III addressed the scandal.

"I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office," Charles, 77, said, referring to his brother. "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 cooperation."

The monarch concluded, "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."

In October 2025, Andrew was stripped of his titles over resurfaced associations with Epstein. Andrew was previously accused of sexual assault by Virginia Giuffre after they were allegedly set up by an associate of Epstein's. Andrew denied the allegations and settled with Giuffre, who died in 2025, out of court for an undisclosed amount.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

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This story was originally published February 22, 2026 at 3:02 PM.