King Charles Confronts Protest Regarding His Brother's Epstein Links
During a engagement to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, the King was heckled by a protester who asked him about his brother's links with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The protester inquired how long the monarch had been known about his sibling's association with Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the authorities to "conceal" for Andrew.
Amid the protest, there were large groups of supporters and applause for the King, who was in the region for an ceremony.
Prince Andrew's associations with Epstein have been under renewed focus in recent weeks. The royal, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has strongly denied any misconduct.
"For how long have you been aware about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Have you asked the police to conceal for him?"
The monarch remained silent but carried on greeting fans, some of whom shouted "Long live the King". One fan can be overheard asking him for a hug.
Another woman outside the cathedral was also heard telling the heckler to "go away" and to "shut up".
Controversy Reignited by Posthumous Publication
The controversy over the Duke of York's connections to Epstein has been brought back into focus by misconduct allegations detailed in Ms. Giuffre's posthumously-published book.
In the memoir, the accuser claims she had sex with the royal on multiple times, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "several other minors"
Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has consistently denied any misconduct. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting Ms Giuffre "at all", and that they "never had any sort of intimate relations."
Fresh Questions About Lifestyle and Housing
But in recent times, fresh questions have been raised about how he is able to fund 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 examination over his housing situation - even though he made large payments up front, including for improvements.
The Liberal Democrats said he should be summoned front of members of parliament to give evidence about his rental agreement of his lodge.
But last week, the authorities declined to give MPs time to debate the prince's titles or his residence, despite increasing calls for scrutiny.
Buckingham Palace has not issued a statement on whether Prince Andrew might move out of his current residence - or where he might reside.
Associated Issues
- The Duke of York
- British Monarchy
- The Monarch