The Monarch Faces Heckling Over Prince Andrew's Jeffrey Epstein Ties
In the course of a engagement to a cathedral in Staffordshire on the start of the week, King Charles was shouted at by a man who questioned him about his brother's relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The man inquired how long the monarch had been aware about his sibling's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the authorities to "conceal" for Prince Andrew.
Amid the heckling, there were crowds of supporters and applause for the monarch, who was visiting the region for an event.
Prince Andrew's associations with Jeffrey Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks. The prince, who gave up his titles earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
"How long have you known about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Have you asked the police to cover up for Andrew?"
The King did not respond but continued greeting supporters, some of whom chanted "God Save The King". One supporter can be heard asking him for a embrace.
A female bystander outside the cathedral was also heard telling the protester to "go away" and to "shut up".
Scandal Revived by Posthumous Publication
The controversy over the Duke of York's connections to Jeffrey Epstein has been revived by sexual abuse allegations repeated in Virginia Giuffre's recently released book.
In the memoir, Ms Giuffre claims she had sex with the royal on multiple times, including once with Jeffrey Epstein and "eight other young girls"
Prince Andrew, who reached a financial settlement with the plaintiff in 2022, has consistently denied any misconduct. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting Ms Giuffre "ever", and that they "did not have any sort of sexual contact."
New Inquiries Over Finances and Living Arrangements
But recently, new inquiries have been asked about how he is able to finance his lifestyle despite not being a working royal.
The revelation that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Royal Lodge has heightened the scrutiny over his housing situation - even though he made large payments initially, including for renovations.
The Liberal Democrats said he should be summoned front of members of parliament to give evidence about his lease of his lodge.
But last Thursday, the authorities declined to give parliamentarians time to discuss the prince's titles or his home, despite growing pressure for investigation.
The royal household has not commented on whether the Duke of York might move out of his current residence - or where he might go.
Associated Issues
- Prince Andrew
- UK Royal Family
- The Monarch