Princess Anne carried on with her duties on Thursday, just hours after her younger brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested. The Princess Royal headed to West Yorkshire to visit HMP Leeds in her role as patron of the Butler Trust, a charity which celebrates and promotes excellence among staff working in prisons, probation, and youth justice.

King Charles’s sister was seen arriving at the West Yorkshire prison in a black Range Rover at around 2.30pm, escorted by police. About a dozen staff members from nearby charities stood by the road, hoping to catch a glimpse of the royal as she drove onto the site.

Kelly Manton, from the West Yorkshire Community Chaplaincy Project Resettlement Service, said she was “sad” to learn of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest.

She told reporters: “It’s sad in a way it’s come to this, given the stature and everything of the Royal Family. He’s a big figure in the UK and in the Royal Family.

“It’s just a sad situation, and I do feel for the Royal Family that this is happening to them.” Rahima Adam, from the same organisation, said: “It’s disappointing news. I don’t think anyone wants to hear it, so it’s very sad.”

Afterwards, the princess headed to Guiseley, where she visited the Abraham Moon and Sons Limited Mill in her role of president of the UK Fashion and Textile Association.

Hours earlier, at 8am, police went to Anne’s brother’s temporary home in Norfolk, Wood Farm, and arrested the disgraced royal before releasing an official statement at 10am. He was released after 11 hours under investigation.

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Thames Valley police said in a statement: “Thames Valley Police is able to provide an update in relation to an investigation into the offence of misconduct in public office.

“On Thursday (19/2) we arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrested man has now been released under investigation. We can also confirm that our searches in Norfolk have now concluded.”

Anne didn’t comment on her brother’s arrest but their brother, the King did through a statement released around midday.

The statement read: “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.”

Andrew has denied any wrongdoing over his Epstein links, but has not directly responded to the latest allegations.