King Charles Faces Heckling Concerning Prince Andrew's Epstein Ties
During a engagement to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, King Charles was heckled by a man who asked him about Prince Andrew's connections with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The man demanded to know how long the monarch had been aware about his sibling's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the police to "conceal" for Andrew.
Amid the protest, there were crowds of well-wishers and applause for the monarch, who was in Staffordshire for an event.
The Duke of York's links with Epstein have been under renewed focus in the past few weeks. The prince, who relinquished his royal duties earlier this month, has categorically denied any misconduct.
"How long have you known about Andrew and Epstein? Did you request the authorities to cover up for Andrew?"
The King did not respond but continued meeting fans, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One fan can be heard asking him for a embrace.
Another woman outside the cathedral was also observed telling the protester to "go away" and to "shut up".
Scandal Revived by Memoir
The controversy over the Duke of York's connections to Jeffrey Epstein has been brought back into focus by misconduct allegations repeated in Ms. Giuffre's recently released memoir.
In the publication, Ms Giuffre claims she had sexual encounters with the royal on three separate occasions, including one instance with Epstein and "eight other young girls"
Prince Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has consistently denied any misconduct. 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 intimate relations."
New Inquiries Over Finances and Housing
But recently, fresh questions have been asked about how he is able to finance his lifestyle despite not being a working royal.
The disclosure that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Royal Lodge has heightened the scrutiny over his living arrangements - even though he made significant contributions up front, including for renovations.
The Liberal Democrats said he should be called in front of MPs to give evidence about his rental agreement of his lodge.
But last week, the government refused to give MPs time to discuss the royal's status or his home, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.
Buckingham Palace has not commented on whether Prince Andrew might relocate of his home - or where he might go.
Related Topics
- Prince Andrew
- UK Royal Family
- The Monarch