The Monarch Faces Heckling Concerning His Brother's Epstein Connections
During a engagement to a cathedral in Staffordshire on the start of the week, King Charles was confronted by a man who asked him about his brother's links with disgraced financier Epstein.
The man asked how long the monarch had been aware about his brother's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the police to "hide" for Prince Andrew.
Amid the protest, there were throngs of fans and cheers for the King, who was visiting Staffordshire for an ceremony.
Prince Andrew's associations with Jeffrey Epstein have been under renewed focus in recent weeks. The royal, who gave up his titles earlier this month, has categorically denied any misconduct.
"How long have you been aware about Andrew and Epstein? Did you request the authorities to cover up for Andrew?"
The King remained silent but continued greeting supporters, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One fan can be heard requesting him for a hug.
Another woman outside the cathedral was also heard telling the protester to "leave" and to "be quiet".
Controversy Reignited by Posthumous Publication
The scandal over Prince Andrew's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been revived by sexual abuse allegations detailed in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published memoir.
In the publication, Ms Giuffre says she had sex with the prince on multiple times, including one instance with Epstein and "eight other young girls"
Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with the plaintiff in 2022, has consistently denied any misconduct. In 2019, he told a news program he did not recall meeting her "ever", and that they "never had any sort of sexual contact."
Fresh Questions About Lifestyle and Living Arrangements
But recently, new inquiries have been raised about how he is able to finance his lifestyle despite not being a active member of the royal family.
The disclosure that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Windsor mansion has heightened the scrutiny over his housing situation - even though he made significant contributions up front, including for improvements.
The Liberal Democrats said he should be called in before members of parliament to give evidence about his lease of his lodge.
But last week, the government declined to give parliamentarians time to discuss the royal's status or his home, despite growing pressure for investigation.
Buckingham Palace has not commented on whether Prince Andrew might move out of his home - or where he might reside.
Associated Issues
- The Duke of York
- British Monarchy
- The Monarch