The Monarch Encounters Protest Concerning Prince Andrew's Jeffrey Epstein Ties
During a visit to a cathedral in Staffordshire on Monday, King Charles was heckled by a individual who asked him about Prince Andrew's relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The man demanded to know how long the King had been aware about his sibling's relationship with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had asked the police to "conceal" for Andrew.
Amid the heckling, there were throngs of well-wishers and applause for the monarch, who was in Staffordshire for an engagement.
The Duke of York's associations with Jeffrey Epstein have been under close examination in recent weeks. The royal, who relinquished his royal duties earlier this month, has strongly denied any wrongdoing.
"For how long have you known about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Have you asked the authorities to conceal for him?"
The monarch remained silent but continued greeting supporters, some of whom shouted "Long live the King". One fan can be heard asking him for a hug.
Another woman outside the cathedral was also observed telling the protester to "go away" and to "shut up".
Controversy Reignited by Posthumous Publication
The controversy over Prince Andrew's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been revived by misconduct allegations repeated in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published book.
In the publication, the accuser alleges 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 the plaintiff in 2022, has repeatedly denied any misconduct. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not recall meeting her "at all", and that they "did not have any sort of sexual contact."
New Inquiries About Lifestyle and Housing
But recently, new inquiries have been raised about how he is able to fund his lifestyle despite not being a working royal.
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 significant contributions initially, including for improvements.
The political party said he should be called in front of MPs to give evidence about his lease of his lodge.
But last Thursday, the authorities declined to give MPs time to debate the royal's status or his residence, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.
Buckingham Palace has not commented on whether the Duke of York might relocate of his home - or where he might reside.
Related Topics
- The Duke of York
- British Monarchy
- The Monarch