King Charles Faces Heckling Over Prince Andrew's Epstein Links
In the course of a engagement to a cathedral in Staffordshire on Monday, King Charles was heckled by a man who questioned him about his brother's relationship with convicted sex offender Epstein.
The man demanded to know how long the King had been aware about his sibling's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had asked the authorities to "hide" for Andrew.
Amid the protest, there were large groups of supporters and cheers for the King, who was in the region for an event.
Prince Andrew's associations with Jeffrey Epstein have been under renewed focus in recent weeks. The royal, who relinquished his royal duties earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
"For how long have you known about Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Have you asked the police to cover up for Andrew?"
The King remained silent but carried on meeting fans, some of whom chanted "God Save The King". One fan can be overheard asking him for a hug.
Another woman outside the venue was also observed telling the protester to "leave" and to "shut up".
Controversy Revived by Posthumous Publication
The scandal over Prince Andrew's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been revived by sexual abuse claims detailed in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published book.
In the publication, the accuser alleges she had sexual encounters with the prince on three separate occasions, including one instance with Epstein and "eight other young girls"
Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting her "ever", and that they "did not have any sort of intimate relations."
New Inquiries About Lifestyle and Living Arrangements
But recently, new inquiries have been raised about how he is able to finance his way of life despite not being a working royal.
The disclosure that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Royal Lodge has heightened the examination over his housing situation - even though he made significant contributions up front, including for renovations.
The political party said he should be summoned front of members of parliament to give testimony about his rental agreement of his residence.
But last week, the authorities 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 the Duke of York might relocate of his home - or where he might reside.
Related Topics
- The Duke of York
- UK Royal Family
- The Monarch