The Monarch Faces Protest Regarding His Brother's Epstein Links
During a visit 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 connections with convicted sex offender Epstein.
The man inquired how long the King had been aware about his brother's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the police to "cover up" for Andrew.
Amid the heckling, there were crowds of well-wishers and applause for the King, who was in the region for an ceremony.
Prince Andrew's connections with Epstein have been under renewed focus in the past few weeks. The royal, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
"How long have you known about Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Did you request the police to cover up for him?"
The King ignored the questions but continued greeting fans, some of whom shouted "Long live the King". One supporter can be heard requesting him for a embrace.
Another woman outside the cathedral was also heard telling the protester to "go away" and to "be quiet".
Scandal Revived by Posthumous Publication
The controversy over the Duke of York's links to Epstein has been brought back into focus by misconduct allegations repeated in Virginia Giuffre's recently released book.
In the publication, Ms Giuffre alleges she had sexual encounters with the prince on three separate occasions, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "several other minors"
Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with the plaintiff in recent years, has consistently denied any misconduct. In 2019, he told a news program he did not remember meeting her "at all", and that they "never had any sort of intimate relations."
Fresh Questions About Lifestyle and Living Arrangements
But recently, new inquiries have been asked about how he is able to finance his way of life despite not being a active member of the royal family.
The revelation that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Royal Lodge 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 called in front of members of parliament to give evidence about his rental agreement of his lodge.
But last week, the government declined to give MPs time to debate the prince's titles or his residence, despite increasing calls for investigation.
Buckingham Palace has not commented on whether Prince Andrew might move out of his current residence - or where he might reside.
Associated Issues
- Prince Andrew
- UK Royal Family
- King Charles III