Kate Middleton makes first public appearance after ex-Prince Andrew arrest

Kate Middleton made her first public appearance on Saturday, two days after ex Prince Andrew was arrested for his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

The Princess of Wales attended the rugby championship match between England and Ireland in Twickenham, London.

“Congratulations Ireland,” he wrote on his Instagram page about the team beating England 42-21. “Always a pleasure to see @Englandrugby in action at Twickenham @sixnationsrugby.”

The 44-year-old, who attended the match without her husband Prince William, is the boss of the Rugby Football Union and the Rugby Football League.

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While England watched the match wearing a rugby scarf, the injured English player was smiling as he sat next to Fin Baxter.

The Princess and William have yet to speak out about Andrew’s arrest, but Buckingham Palace released a statement on their behalf following the release of the latest Epstein files.

“I can confirm that the prince and princess are deeply concerned by the ongoing revelations,” a palace spokesman told the BBC earlier this month. “His thoughts are focused on the victims.”

The former prince, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested on his 66th birthday on Thursday in Sandringham, where he now lives, and was released after 11 hours in custody. He has not been charged with any crime and denies all criminal allegations made against him.

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Kate Middelton meets the father of a rugby player on Saturday. (RFU Collection via Dan Mullan/RFU/Getty Images)

Andrew had been accused of sexual assault by Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre, who claimed she was forced to have sex with the prince when she was underage. Giuffre died last year.

Buckingham Palace also announced on Thursday that King Andrew III had been arrested following Andrew’s arrest. He released a statement from Charles.

“I learned with deep concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and the suspicion of misconduct in public office. A full, fair and appropriate process will now follow to ensure that this matter is investigated appropriately and by the appropriate authorities.”

“While this process is ongoing, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on this matter. In the meantime, my family and I will continue our duty and service to all of you.”

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Kate Middleton shares a laugh with Irish Rugby Football Union president John O’Driscoll on Saturday. (David Rogers/Getty Images)

Andrew was stripped of his royal titles last October and was forced to leave his home at Royal Lodge in Windsor and move to a smaller house on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk.

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The government is also considering removing Andrew, eighth in line to the throne, as crown prince. Edward VIII was the last royal to be disinherited when he abdicated in 1936. Instead, Queen Elizabeth II. Elizabeth’s father became king.

Former Prince Andrew was arrested on Thursday. (Reuters/Phil Noble TPX Images of the Day)

“The government is considering any further steps that may be necessary and we are not ruling out anything,” said James Murray, the government’s principal secretary to the Treasury.

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The Crown Prosecution Service said misconduct in public office carried a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.