King Charles Faces Heckling Over Prince Andrew's Jeffrey Epstein Connections
During a public appearance to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, King Charles was heckled by a protester who questioned him about Prince Andrew's relationship with convicted sex offender Epstein.
The man demanded to know how long the monarch had been aware about his brother's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had instructed the police to "hide" for Andrew.
Despite the protest, there were throngs of supporters and applause for the monarch, who was in Staffordshire for an engagement.
The Duke of York's associations with Jeffrey Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in the past few weeks. The royal, who relinquished his titles earlier this month, has strongly denied any misconduct.
"How long have you been aware about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Have you asked the authorities to conceal for Andrew?"
The King remained silent but continued meeting fans, some of whom shouted "Long live the King". One supporter can be overheard asking him for a hug.
Another woman outside the venue was also observed telling the protester to "leave" and to "be quiet".
Controversy Reignited by Posthumous Publication
The scandal over Prince Andrew's connections to Jeffrey Epstein has been revived by sexual abuse allegations repeated in Ms. Giuffre's posthumously-published memoir.
In the memoir, the accuser says she had sex with the prince on multiple times, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "several other minors"
Andrew, who reached a financial settlement with the plaintiff in recent years, has consistently denied any misconduct. In a previous interview, he told a news program he did not recall meeting her "at all", and that they "never had any sort of sexual contact."
Fresh Questions Over Finances and Housing
But in recent times, fresh questions have been asked about how he is able to fund his lifestyle despite not being a active member of the royal family.
The revelation that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Royal Lodge has heightened the examination over his housing situation - even though he made significant contributions up front, including for renovations.
The Liberal Democrats said he should be called in front of members of parliament to give evidence about his lease of his lodge.
But last week, the government declined to give parliamentarians time to debate the prince's titles or his residence, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.
Buckingham Palace has not issued a statement on whether Prince Andrew might relocate of his home - or where he might reside.
Associated Issues
- Prince Andrew
- UK Royal Family
- King Charles III