King Charles Confronts Protest Concerning Prince Andrew's Jeffrey Epstein Links
In the course of a visit to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday, the King was heckled by a protester who questioned him about Prince Andrew's relationship with convicted sex offender Epstein.
The man demanded to know how long the monarch had been aware about his sibling's association with Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the police to "hide" for Prince Andrew.
Despite the protest, there were crowds of supporters and cheers for the monarch, who was visiting Staffordshire for an engagement.
The Duke of York's links with Epstein have been under close examination in the past few weeks. The royal, who gave up his titles earlier this month, has categorically denied any wrongdoing.
"For how long have you been aware about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Have you asked the police to conceal for Andrew?"
The monarch did not respond but continued greeting supporters, some of whom chanted "God Save 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 "be quiet".
Controversy Reignited by Posthumous Publication
The scandal over the Duke of York's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been brought back into focus by misconduct allegations detailed in Ms. Giuffre's recently released memoir.
In the publication, Ms Giuffre claims she had sexual encounters with the royal on multiple times, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "several other minors"
Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with the plaintiff in recent years, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting Ms Giuffre "at all", and that they "did not have any sort of sexual contact."
New Inquiries Over Finances and Housing
But recently, new inquiries have been asked about how he is able to finance 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 Royal Lodge has heightened the scrutiny over his living arrangements - even though he made significant contributions up front, including for improvements.
The political party said he should be called in before members of parliament to give testimony about his rental agreement of his lodge.
But last Thursday, the authorities declined to give MPs time to discuss the prince's titles or his home, despite increasing calls 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
- The Monarch