King Charles Faces Protest Over Prince Andrew's Epstein Ties
During a visit to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday, the King was shouted at by a individual who questioned him about Prince Andrew's relationship with convicted sex offender Epstein.
The protester demanded to know how long the monarch had been aware about his brother's relationship with Epstein, and also questioned whether he had asked the authorities to "conceal" for Prince Andrew.
Despite the protest, there were crowds of supporters and cheers for the King, who was in the region for an ceremony.
The Duke of York's connections with Epstein have been under renewed focus in the past few weeks. The prince, who relinquished his royal duties earlier this month, has strongly denied any wrongdoing.
"For how long have you been aware about Prince Andrew and Epstein? Have you asked the authorities to conceal for him?"
The monarch did not respond but continued greeting supporters, some of whom chanted "God Save The King". One supporter can be heard requesting him for a embrace.
Another woman outside the venue was also observed telling the heckler to "go away" and to "shut up".
Scandal Revived by Posthumous Publication
The scandal over Prince Andrew's connections to Epstein has been reignited by misconduct allegations detailed in Ms. Giuffre's posthumously-published book.
In the memoir, the accuser says she had sexual encounters with the prince on three separate occasions, including once with Epstein and "several other minors"
Prince Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with the plaintiff in 2022, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting Ms Giuffre "at all", and that they "did not have any sort of intimate relations."
New Inquiries Over Lifestyle and Housing
But in recent times, new inquiries have been raised about how he is able to finance 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 Royal Lodge has heightened the scrutiny over his living arrangements - even though he made significant contributions initially, including for improvements.
The Liberal Democrats said he should be summoned front of MPs to give testimony about his lease of his lodge.
But last week, the authorities declined to give parliamentarians time to debate the prince's status or his home, despite growing pressure for investigation.
The royal household has not commented on whether Prince Andrew might relocate of his home - or where he might reside.
Related Topics
- The Duke of York
- UK Royal Family
- The Monarch