King Charles Confronts Protest Concerning Prince Andrew's Jeffrey Epstein Links
During a public appearance to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, the King was shouted at by a individual who questioned him about his brother's relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The individual demanded to know how long the King had been known about his brother's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had instructed the police to "hide" for Andrew.
Amid the heckling, there were throngs of supporters and cheers for the King, who was visiting the region for an ceremony.
The Duke of York's associations with Epstein have been under renewed focus in the past few weeks. The royal, who relinquished his royal duties earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
"For how long have you known about Prince Andrew and Epstein? Have you asked the authorities to conceal for him?"
The King remained silent but carried on greeting supporters, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One supporter can be heard requesting him for a hug.
Another woman outside the venue was also heard telling the heckler to "leave" and to "shut up".
Controversy Reignited by Memoir
The controversy over Prince Andrew's links to Epstein has been revived by misconduct claims detailed in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published book.
In the memoir, Ms Giuffre says she had sexual encounters with the prince on multiple times, including once with Jeffrey Epstein and "eight other young girls"
Andrew, who agreed to a out-of-court agreement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has repeatedly denied any misconduct. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting her "ever", and that they "never had any sort of intimate relations."
Fresh Questions Over Finances and Housing
But in recent times, new inquiries have been asked 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 Windsor mansion has intensified the scrutiny over his housing situation - even though he made significant contributions up front, including for renovations.
The Liberal Democrats said he should be summoned front of members of parliament to give evidence about his rental agreement of his residence.
But last Thursday, the authorities declined to give parliamentarians time to discuss the prince's status or his residence, despite increasing calls for investigation.
The royal household has not commented on whether the Duke of York might relocate of his home - or where he might go.
Related Topics
- Prince Andrew
- UK Royal Family
- The Monarch