The Monarch Encounters Heckling Regarding Prince Andrew's Jeffrey Epstein Links
In the course of a visit to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday, King Charles was shouted at by a man who asked him about his brother's links with disgraced financier Epstein.
The man asked how long the monarch had been aware about his brother's association with Epstein, and also questioned whether he had asked the authorities to "cover up" for Prince Andrew.
Despite the protest, there were throngs of well-wishers and cheers for the King, who was visiting the region for an event.
Prince Andrew's connections with Epstein have been under renewed focus in the past few weeks. The prince, who relinquished his royal duties earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
"How long have you been aware about Andrew and Epstein? Have you asked the police to conceal for him?"
The King remained silent but carried on greeting fans, some of whom shouted "Long live the King". One fan can be heard requesting him for a hug.
Another woman outside the venue was also observed telling the protester to "leave" and to "be quiet".
Controversy Reignited by Memoir
The controversy over Prince Andrew's links to Epstein has been revived by misconduct claims detailed in Ms. Giuffre's posthumously-published book.
In the memoir, Ms Giuffre claims she had sex with the royal on three separate occasions, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "several other minors"
Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told a news program he did not recall meeting her "at all", and that they "never had any sort of sexual contact."
New Inquiries Over Finances and Housing
But recently, fresh questions have been raised about how he is able to finance his way of life despite not being a working royal.
The revelation that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Royal Lodge has intensified the examination over his housing situation - even though he made large payments up front, including for renovations.
The Liberal Democrats said he should be called in before members of parliament to give testimony about his lease of his residence.
But last week, the authorities refused to give parliamentarians time to debate the royal's status or his residence, despite growing pressure for investigation.
The royal household has not issued a statement on whether Prince Andrew might move out of his home - or where he might reside.
Associated Issues
- The Duke of York
- UK Royal Family
- King Charles III