The Monarch Faces Heckling Concerning His Brother's Epstein Ties
During a visit to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, King Charles was heckled by a protester who questioned him about Prince Andrew's relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The man asked how long the King had been known about his sibling's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had asked the authorities to "conceal" for Prince Andrew.
Amid the protest, there were large groups of well-wishers and applause for the monarch, who was in Staffordshire for an event.
Prince Andrew's associations with Epstein have been under renewed focus in the past few weeks. The royal, who relinquished his titles earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any misconduct.
"How long have you been aware about Prince Andrew and Epstein? Have you asked the police to conceal for Andrew?"
The monarch ignored the questions but continued greeting fans, some of whom shouted "God Save The King". One fan can be overheard requesting him for a hug.
A female bystander outside the cathedral was also heard telling the protester to "go away" and to "be quiet".
Scandal Reignited by Memoir
The scandal over Prince Andrew's connections to Epstein has been brought back into focus by sexual abuse claims detailed in Virginia Giuffre's recently released book.
In the publication, the accuser alleges she had sexual encounters with the prince on multiple times, including one instance with Epstein and "several other minors"
Prince Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has repeatedly denied any misconduct. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not recall meeting Ms Giuffre "at all", and that they "never had any sort of intimate relations."
Fresh Questions Over Lifestyle and Living Arrangements
But in recent times, new inquiries 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 Royal Lodge has intensified the examination over his living arrangements - even though he made large payments up front, including for improvements.
The Liberal Democrats said he should be called in before MPs to give evidence about his lease of his residence.
But last Thursday, the authorities declined to give parliamentarians time to discuss the royal's status or his residence, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.
Buckingham Palace has not commented on whether the Duke of York might move out of his current residence - or where he might go.
Associated Issues
- Prince Andrew
- British Monarchy
- The Monarch