King Charles Faces Heckling Over His Brother's Jeffrey Epstein Connections
During a public appearance to a cathedral in Staffordshire on the start of the week, the King was heckled by a protester who questioned him about Prince Andrew's links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The protester inquired how long the monarch had been known about his brother's relationship with Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the authorities to "cover up" for Prince Andrew.
Amid the heckling, there were large groups of supporters and applause for the monarch, who was in Staffordshire for an engagement.
The Duke of York's links with Jeffrey Epstein have been under close examination in the past few weeks. The royal, who relinquished his titles earlier this month, has categorically denied any wrongdoing.
"How long have you known about Prince Andrew and Epstein? Have you asked the authorities to cover up for Andrew?"
The monarch ignored the questions but carried on meeting fans, some of whom shouted "Long live the King". One fan can be overheard requesting him for a hug.
A female bystander outside the venue was also heard telling the heckler to "go away" and to "shut up".
Controversy Reignited by Posthumous Publication
The scandal over Prince Andrew's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been revived by sexual abuse allegations repeated in Ms. Giuffre's recently released memoir.
In the publication, Ms Giuffre alleges she had sex with the royal on three separate occasions, including once with Epstein and "several other minors"
Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has repeatedly denied any misconduct. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting Ms Giuffre "at all", and that they "never had any sort of intimate relations."
New Inquiries Over Lifestyle and Living Arrangements
But in recent times, new inquiries have been raised about how he is able to fund his way of life despite not being a active member of the royal family.
The disclosure 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 significant contributions up front, 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 week, the government declined to give MPs time to discuss the prince's titles or his residence, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.
The royal household has not issued a statement on whether Prince Andrew might relocate of his current residence - or where he might reside.
Associated Issues
- The Duke of York
- British Monarchy
- The Monarch