Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's siblings put on united front as King, Anne and Edward step out together

The King has honoured 19 universities and colleges with Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Higher and Further Education, celebrating exceptional achievements across diverse academic fields.

The recipients were recognised for outstanding contributions spanning textile industry sustainability initiatives, innovative prison education partnerships, and pioneering Paralympic performance studies.

These prestigious awards form part of the UK's national honours system, representing the highest state-level acknowledgement of excellence in higher and further education.

Following the formal presentation ceremony, members of the Royal Family joined award recipients at a reception, where they learned more about the innovative work being celebrated.

The Queen, Princess Anne, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester all joined the monarch.

The Princess Royal attended the ceremony her capacity as Chancellor of The University of Edinburgh, which is receiving an award for research and education by its Centre for Fire Safety Engineering.

The Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Higher and Further Education are part of the UK national honours system, recognising at the highest level of state outstanding work in universities and colleges.

First awarded in 1995 and now in their sixteenth round, the Prizes are granted every two years on the advice of the Prime Minister following a rigorous review process managed by the Royal Anniversary Trust, an independent charity.

Today mark's the King's first royal engagement since Thursday, the day his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested.

Last week, the monarch's brother was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office before being released after spending 11 in police custody.

All three of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s siblings also carried out royal engagements on Thursday, with Princess Anne and Prince Edward travelling to Leeds and Inverclyde, respectively, while King Charles opened London Fashion Week.

On Thursday, King Charles issued a statement expressing his "deepest concern" following the arrest of his brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

The King emphasised his support for a thorough and appropriate investigation into the matter, signalling that proper legal procedures must be followed.

The full statement said: "I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.

"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 co-operation. 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. Charles R."

GB News understands The Prince and Princess of Wales support His Majesty’s statement.

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