The Monarch Encounters Protest Over Prince Andrew's Epstein Ties
In the course of a public appearance to a cathedral in Staffordshire on Monday, King Charles was heckled by a man who questioned him about Prince Andrew's connections with disgraced financier Epstein.
The man asked how long the King had been aware about his sibling's relationship with Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the authorities to "cover up" for Andrew.
Despite the protest, there were throngs of well-wishers and cheers for the King, who was in Staffordshire for an event.
The Duke of York's links with Epstein have been under close examination in the past few weeks. The prince, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has categorically denied any wrongdoing.
"For how long have you known about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Did you request the authorities to conceal for him?"
The King ignored the questions but carried on meeting fans, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One fan can be heard requesting him for a hug.
A female bystander outside the cathedral was also observed telling the heckler to "go away" and to "shut up".
Scandal Reignited by Posthumous Publication
The scandal over the Duke of York's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been revived by sexual abuse claims detailed in Ms. Giuffre's posthumously-published book.
In the memoir, Ms Giuffre claims she had sex with the royal 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 a previous interview, he told a news program he did not recall meeting Ms Giuffre "at all", and that they "never had any sort of sexual contact."
Fresh Questions Over Finances and Living Arrangements
But in recent times, new inquiries have been asked about how he is able to fund 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 Windsor mansion has heightened the examination over his housing situation - even though he made large payments initially, including for improvements.
The Liberal Democrats said he should be summoned before MPs to give evidence about his rental agreement of his lodge.
But last Thursday, the authorities declined to give parliamentarians time to discuss the prince's status or his residence, despite growing pressure for investigation.
Buckingham Palace has not commented on whether Prince Andrew might relocate of his home - or where he might reside.
Associated Issues
- The Duke of York
- British Monarchy
- The Monarch