The Monarch Encounters Protest Over Prince Andrew's Jeffrey Epstein Links
In the course of a engagement to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, King Charles was shouted at by a man who asked him about his brother's connections with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The protester demanded to know how long the King had been aware about his brother's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the police to "conceal" for Andrew.
Despite the protest, there were throngs of fans and cheers for the King, who was in the region for an engagement.
The Duke of York's associations with Epstein have been under close examination in the past few weeks. The royal, who gave up his titles earlier this month, has categorically denied any misconduct.
"How long have you been aware about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Have you asked the police to conceal for Andrew?"
The monarch ignored the questions but carried on meeting fans, some of whom chanted "God Save The King". One fan can be overheard requesting him for a hug.
A female bystander outside the cathedral was also heard telling the heckler to "go away" and to "be quiet".
Controversy Reignited by Posthumous Publication
The controversy over Prince Andrew's connections to Jeffrey Epstein has been brought back into focus by misconduct allegations detailed in Virginia Giuffre's recently released book.
In the memoir, Ms Giuffre claims she had sexual encounters with the royal on multiple times, including once with Epstein and "several other minors"
Andrew, who agreed to a out-of-court agreement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has repeatedly denied any misconduct. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting Ms Giuffre "at all", and that they "did not have any sort of sexual contact."
New Inquiries About Finances and Housing
But recently, new inquiries have been asked about how he is able to fund his way of life despite not being a working royal.
The disclosure that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Royal Lodge has intensified the scrutiny over his living arrangements - even though he made significant contributions up front, including for improvements.
The Liberal Democrats said he should be called in before MPs to give evidence about his rental agreement of his residence.
But last week, the government declined to give MPs time to debate the prince's status or his home, despite increasing calls for scrutiny.
Buckingham Palace has not issued a statement on whether Prince Andrew might relocate of his home - or where he might reside.
Related Topics
- Prince Andrew
- UK Royal Family
- King Charles III