King Charles Confronts Protest Regarding Prince Andrew's Epstein Links
In the course of a public appearance to a cathedral in Staffordshire on Monday, King Charles was heckled by a man who asked him about his brother's connections with disgraced financier Epstein.
The individual asked how long the monarch had been known about his sibling's relationship with Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the police to "conceal" for Andrew.
Despite the protest, there were large groups of well-wishers and cheers for the King, who was in the region for an ceremony.
The Duke of York's links with Jeffrey Epstein have been under renewed focus in the past few weeks. The prince, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has categorically denied any misconduct.
"How long have you known about Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Did you request the police to cover up for Andrew?"
The monarch did not respond but continued meeting supporters, some of whom shouted "God Save The King". One fan can be heard asking him for a hug.
A female bystander outside the venue was also observed telling the protester to "leave" and to "shut up".
Controversy Reignited by Posthumous Publication
The scandal over Prince Andrew's connections to Jeffrey Epstein has been brought back into focus by misconduct claims repeated in Ms. Giuffre's posthumously-published book.
In the publication, the accuser claims she had sex with the royal on three separate occasions, including once with Epstein and "eight other young girls"
Prince Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting Ms Giuffre "at all", and that they "never had any sort of sexual contact."
Fresh Questions About Lifestyle and Living Arrangements
But in recent times, new inquiries have been asked about how he is able to fund his lifestyle despite not being a active member of the royal family.
The revelation that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Windsor mansion has heightened the examination over his housing situation - even though he made significant contributions up front, including for renovations.
The Liberal Democrats said he should be summoned front of members of parliament to give testimony about his lease of his lodge.
But last Thursday, the authorities refused to give MPs time to debate the prince's titles or his residence, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.
The royal household has not commented on whether the Duke of York might move out of his home - or where he might go.
Related Topics
- Prince Andrew
- UK Royal Family
- King Charles III