Topics: News, UK News, Prince Andrew, Prince Harry, Prince William, Crime, World News
Prince Harry responded after an interviewer made remarks addressing the arrest of his uncle Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
The prince, who stepped down as a working royal and moved to the US with his wife Meghan Markle, had been visiting Jordan to provide support to humanitarian organisations.
During the trip he took questions from the media, including from Channel 4 News senior political correspondent Paul McNamara.
Prior to the interview Harry appeared to have made it clear that he wanted to use his profile to draw attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis Gaza, as well as his work with the World Health Organization.
Advert
But there is an elephant in the room with the British royal family at the moment, which is of course the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on his birthday on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
At the very start of the interview on February 27, they took a moment to clear the air on the difficult topic.
“I understand you don’t wish to talk about your family, your uncle, things back in London you’re here because you don’t want to distract from the work you’re doing on the WHO and on Gaza,” the Channel 4 correspondent told Harry.
McNamara then moved straight into the interview, asking the prince: “Firstly, why are you here in Jordan? Why is it so important to you?”
The Duke of Sussex replied: "The work’s been going on for decades, but more so recently, it’s been a humanitarian hub for the Middle East, especially with everything that’s going on in Gaza, and also Syria, as well."
He went on to argue that violence in the Middle East can be overlooked, adding “It was a really important time for us to collaborate and come here and shine a light and focus on the very real humanitarian catastrophe that has happened and continues.
Harry elder brother Prince William also appeared to have alluded to the current crisis affecting the royal family.
While attending the BAFTAs on February 22, he was asked if he had seen Hamnet, and replied: "I need to be in quite a calm state and I am not at the moment."
Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office after further details of his association with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein were made public.
He was in police custody for several hours before being released pending further investigation.
Andrew has denied any wrongdoing.
King Charles released a statement following his brother's arrest, the first time a senior royal has been arrested since Charles I.
The 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."
The statement added: "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."
