How does Anakin disobey his mandate to protect Padme?
Answer
By going to rescue Obi Wan
Anakin disobeys his mandate to protect Padmé by going to rescue Obi-Wan Kenobi. In Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, Obi-Wan’s investigation leads him to Geonosis, where he is captured by Count Dooku and sentenced to death in the arena.
Anakin and Padmé are assigned to remain together for her protection, but Anakin argues that they cannot leave Obi-Wan to die. Padmé ultimately accompanies him to Geonosis, where they attempt to rescue Obi-Wan and are themselves captured. Their decision leads to the arena execution attempt and the opening battle of the Clone Wars.
The common mix-up is with Anakin’s earlier disobedience on Naboo. There, he leaves Padmé’s assigned protection detail to travel to Tatooine after visions of his mother Shmi’s suffering. In this question’s specific scene, however, the disobedience refers to leaving Padmé’s protection assignment to rescue Obi-Wan. Anakin’s choice also reflects his growing attachment to both Padmé and his former master.