King Charles Confronts Protest Concerning His Brother's Epstein Links
In the course of a visit to a cathedral in Staffordshire on the start of the week, King Charles was shouted at by a man who questioned him about his brother's links with disgraced financier Epstein.
The individual asked how long the King had been known about his brother's relationship with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had asked the police to "cover up" for Andrew.
Despite the heckling, there were crowds of well-wishers and applause for the monarch, who was visiting the region for an engagement.
The Duke of York's connections with Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks. The prince, who relinquished his royal duties earlier this month, has categorically denied any misconduct.
"How long have you known about Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Did you request the police to cover up for Andrew?"
The King remained silent but continued greeting supporters, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One supporter can be heard asking him for a hug.
A female bystander outside the cathedral was also observed telling the heckler to "leave" and to "shut up".
Scandal Revived by Memoir
The scandal over Prince Andrew's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been reignited by misconduct claims repeated in Virginia Giuffre's recently released memoir.
In the publication, the accuser says she had sexual encounters with the prince on multiple times, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "eight other young girls"
Prince Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with the plaintiff in 2022, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting her "ever", and that they "never had any sort of sexual contact."
Fresh Questions About Finances and Living Arrangements
But recently, fresh questions have been raised about how he is able to fund his lifestyle despite not being a active member of the royal family.
The revelation that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Windsor mansion has heightened 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 MPs to give evidence about his lease of his lodge.
But last week, the authorities refused to give MPs time to discuss the royal's status or his residence, despite increasing calls for scrutiny.
The royal household has not commented on whether Prince Andrew might relocate of his current residence - or where he might reside.
Associated Issues
- Prince Andrew
- British Monarchy
- King Charles III