The Monarch Faces Protest Concerning Prince Andrew's Jeffrey Epstein Links
In the course of a engagement to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, King Charles was confronted by a man who asked him about Prince Andrew's connections with convicted sex offender Epstein.
The man asked how long the monarch had been known about his sibling's association with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had instructed the police to "cover up" for Prince Andrew.
Amid the heckling, there were throngs of well-wishers and applause for the monarch, who was visiting Staffordshire for an event.
Prince Andrew's associations with Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks. The prince, who gave up his titles earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
"How long have you known about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Did you request the police to cover up for him?"
The King did not respond but carried on meeting fans, some of whom chanted "God Save The King". One fan can be heard asking him for a hug.
A female bystander outside the cathedral was also observed telling the heckler to "leave" and to "be quiet".
Controversy Revived by Memoir
The controversy over the Duke of York's connections to Jeffrey Epstein has been reignited by sexual abuse claims detailed in Ms. Giuffre's recently released memoir.
In the publication, the accuser says she had sexual encounters with the royal on three separate occasions, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "several other minors"
Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In a previous interview, he told a news program he did not recall meeting her "at all", and that they "never had any sort of intimate relations."
New Inquiries About Finances and Housing
But recently, fresh questions have been asked about how he is able to finance his way of life despite not being a active member of the royal family.
The revelation 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 initially, including for renovations.
The Liberal Democrats said he should be summoned before MPs to give evidence about his rental agreement of his lodge.
But last Thursday, the government declined to give MPs time to debate the royal's titles or his home, 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 reside.
Associated Issues
- Prince Andrew
- UK Royal Family
- The Monarch