The Monarch Confronts Protest Regarding Prince Andrew's Jeffrey Epstein Ties
In the course of a public appearance to a cathedral in Staffordshire on Monday, King Charles was shouted at by a protester who asked him about his brother's links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The individual 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 police to "hide" for Prince Andrew.
Despite the protest, there were crowds of fans and applause for the King, who was visiting Staffordshire for an engagement.
The Duke of York's links with Jeffrey Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks. The prince, who relinquished his titles earlier this month, has categorically denied any misconduct.
"For how long have you known about Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Have you asked the police to cover up for him?"
The monarch did not respond but carried on greeting supporters, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One fan can be heard asking him for a embrace.
A female bystander outside the cathedral was also observed telling the heckler to "go away" and to "shut up".
Controversy Revived by Memoir
The scandal over Prince Andrew's connections to Epstein has been brought back into focus by sexual abuse claims repeated in Virginia Giuffre's recently released book.
In the publication, Ms Giuffre says she had sex with the prince on three separate occasions, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "eight other young girls"
Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has consistently denied any misconduct. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting her "ever", and that they "did not have any sort of sexual contact."
Fresh Questions About Lifestyle and Living Arrangements
But recently, fresh questions have been raised about how he is able to finance his way of life despite not being a active member of the royal family.
The disclosure that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Royal Lodge has intensified the examination over his living arrangements - even though he made large payments initially, including for improvements.
The Liberal Democrats said he should be called in before MPs to give evidence about his lease of his residence.
But last Thursday, the authorities declined to give parliamentarians time to debate the prince's titles or his home, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.
Buckingham Palace has not issued a statement on whether the Duke of York might relocate of his current residence - or where he might reside.
Related Topics
- Prince Andrew
- UK Royal Family
- The Monarch