King Charles Faces Protest Concerning His Brother's Jeffrey Epstein Ties
In the course of a engagement to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday, King Charles was heckled by a man who questioned him about his brother's connections with disgraced financier Epstein.
The protester demanded to know how long the monarch had been aware about his brother's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the police to "hide" for Andrew.
Despite the protest, there were throngs of well-wishers and cheers for the monarch, who was visiting the region for an event.
The Duke of York's associations with Jeffrey Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks. The prince, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
"How long have you been aware about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Have you asked the police to cover up for Andrew?"
The King remained silent but carried on greeting fans, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One supporter can be overheard asking him for a hug.
Another woman outside the cathedral was also observed telling the heckler to "leave" and to "shut up".
Scandal Reignited by Memoir
The controversy over Prince Andrew's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been reignited by misconduct claims detailed in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published memoir.
In the publication, the accuser alleges she had sexual encounters with the royal on multiple times, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "eight other young girls"
Prince Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with the plaintiff in 2022, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told a news program he did not recall meeting her "ever", and that they "did not have any sort of sexual contact."
New Inquiries Over Lifestyle and Living Arrangements
But recently, fresh questions have been raised about how he is able to finance his lifestyle despite not being a working royal.
The revelation that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Royal Lodge has intensified the examination over his housing situation - even though he made large payments initially, including for improvements.
The political party said he should be called in front of MPs to give evidence about his lease of his residence.
But last Thursday, the government declined to give parliamentarians time to discuss the royal's titles or his residence, despite increasing calls for scrutiny.
The royal household has not commented on whether the Duke of York might relocate of his home - or where he might go.
Related Topics
- Prince Andrew
- UK Royal Family
- The Monarch