King Charles made a personal visit to his former nanny to celebrate her 100th birthday shortly after his brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested last week.
The monarch, 77, travelled to see Mabel Anderson, who lives near Frogmore in Windsor, with the pair enjoying tea together, it has now been revealed.
Charles was fulfilling a long-standing promise to visit Mabel again and was keen to see her for her birthday, The Telegraph reported. She will also receive a card and telegram from the monarch, as is customary for UK residents upon reaching their 100th birthday.
The visit came after Andrew was arrested at 8am last Thursday at Wood Farm in Sandringham, spending 11 hours in police custody on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Police are continuing to investigate. It is understood that the King was not aware of the arrest before it happened.
He later released a statement reacting with the "deepest concern", adding: "The law must take its course."
Royal nannies
Mabel Anderson looked after all of Queen Elizabeth II's children when they were younger, taking care of Charles, Anne, Andrew and Edward. She was in charge of their care, especially when the Queen and Prince Philip were away touring the Commonwealth.
© Getty ImagesThey have remained close ever since, with Charles once calling her a "haven of security". After her service concluded, Mabel was given a grace-and-favour home in Windsor, where she still lives today.
Prince William and Kate also have a nanny, Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo, for their three children, George, Charlotte and Louis. She was trained at the Norland College and has worked with the Waleses for over 10 years, having been employed after Prince George was born in 2013.
United front
The royal family has put on a united front after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested last week. The Prince and Princess of Wales have made three outings in the past week, while King Charles led five working members of The Firm at a presentation ceremony at St James's Palace on Tuesday.
© Alamy Stock PhotoSpeaking to HELLO!, royal expert Phil Dampier explained that such a string of high-profile outings "helped project the image of business as normal". "It helps to show that the show is carrying on, keep calm and carry on," Phil said.
Phil added that it's likely the consecutive royal events had been "probably planned anyway", likely months in advance, but nevertheless saw the family put on a united front during a tense and difficult week.
