Kate Middleton and Prince William Ignore Reporters’ Questions on Royal Book Scandal on Red Carpet

The Prince and Princess of Wales stepped out at the Royal Variety Performance after an ‘error’ named the royals behind the comment about Archie’s skin color comment in a new book

Kate Middleton and Prince William kept calm and carried on amid controversy.

The Prince and Princess of Wales, both 41, hit the red carpet at the Royal Variety Performance on Thursday night. As they exited their car, reporters shouted questions at them related to Omid Scobie’s new book Endgame. The Dutch translation of the book is being temporarily removed from store shelves as it reportedly names the members of the family involved in a conversation that included a controversial comment about the skin color of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s child before he was born. On Wednesday night, Piers Morgan named the royals on his show.

Prince William and Princess Kate didn’t answer or acknowledge the questions, walking towards each other and briefly holding hands before William put a hand on his wife’s back and they walked down the red carpet.

Buckingham Palace had no comment. PEOPLE understands the palace is considering all options regarding the situation.

In an exclusive statement to PEOPLE, Scobie says, “Having only written and edited the English version of Endgame, I can only comment on that manuscript — which does not name the two individuals who took part in the conversation. I’m happy to hear that the error in the translation of the Dutch edition is being fixed.”

The Dutch publishers call it an “error” and say in a statement to PEOPLE, “The rectified edition of Eindstrijd by Omid Scobie will be in bookstores on Friday 8 December. Xander Uitgevers temporarily removed the book from sale, due to an error that occurred in the Dutch edition.”

Prince Harry 39, and Meghan, 42, are parents to their 4-year-old son Prince Archie and 2-year-old daughter Princess Lilibet.

In the couple’s 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan said there were “concerns and conversations about how dark [Archie’s] skin might be when he’s born.” When Oprah asked who made that comment, Meghan declined to answer, saying the revelation would be too damaging.

Prince Harry added, “That conversation I’m never going to share. It was awkward. I was a bit shocked.”