The Monarch Encounters Heckling Over Prince Andrew's Jeffrey Epstein Ties
In the course of a public appearance to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday, King Charles was heckled by a individual who questioned him about his brother's links with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The protester demanded to know how long the King had been known about his sibling's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had instructed the police to "cover up" for Prince Andrew.
Amid the protest, there were crowds of well-wishers and cheers for the King, who was in the region for an engagement.
The Duke of York's links with Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks. The prince, who gave up his titles earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any misconduct.
"How long have you known about Andrew and Epstein? Did you request the authorities to cover up for Andrew?"
The monarch did not respond but continued meeting supporters, some of whom shouted "Long live the King". One supporter can be heard asking him for a embrace.
A female bystander outside the venue was also heard telling the protester to "go away" and to "shut up".
Controversy Reignited by Posthumous Publication
The scandal over Prince Andrew's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been revived by sexual abuse claims repeated in Ms. Giuffre's posthumously-published memoir.
In the memoir, the accuser claims she had sex with the prince on three separate occasions, including once with Jeffrey Epstein and "several other minors"
Prince Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting Ms Giuffre "at all", and that they "did not have 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 fund his lifestyle despite not being a working royal.
The revelation that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Royal Lodge has intensified the examination over his living arrangements - even though he made significant contributions initially, including for renovations.
The Liberal Democrats said he should be called in before MPs to give evidence about his lease of his residence.
But last Thursday, the government refused to give parliamentarians time to discuss the prince's titles or his home, 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 go.
Associated Issues
- The Duke of York
- British Monarchy
- King Charles III