King Charles Confronts Protest Concerning Prince Andrew's Epstein Links
In the course of a public appearance to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, King Charles was heckled by a protester who asked him about his brother's links with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The protester inquired how long the King had been known about his brother's association with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had instructed the police to "hide" for Prince Andrew.
Despite the protest, there were large groups of supporters and applause for the King, who was visiting the region for an engagement.
Prince Andrew's associations with Jeffrey Epstein have been under close examination in the past few weeks. The royal, who relinquished his titles earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
"For how long have you known about Prince Andrew and Epstein? Did you request the police to conceal for Andrew?"
The King remained silent but continued greeting supporters, some of whom shouted "Long live the King". One fan can be overheard asking him for a hug.
A female bystander outside the venue was also heard telling the heckler to "go away" and to "be quiet".
Scandal Revived by Posthumous Publication
The scandal over the Duke of York's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been revived by misconduct claims repeated in Ms. Giuffre's posthumously-published book.
In the memoir, Ms Giuffre alleges she had sexual encounters with the prince on multiple times, including one instance with Epstein and "several other minors"
Prince Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has consistently denied any misconduct. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting her "ever", and that they "did not have any sort of intimate relations."
Fresh Questions About Lifestyle and Housing
But recently, 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 Royal Lodge has heightened the examination over his living arrangements - even though he made large payments initially, including for renovations.
The political party said he should be called in front of MPs to give evidence about his lease of his residence.
But last Thursday, the government declined to give parliamentarians time to debate the prince's status or his residence, despite increasing calls for investigation.
The royal household has not issued a statement on whether the Duke of York might move out of his home - or where he might reside.
Related Topics
- Prince Andrew
- British Monarchy
- King Charles III