The Monarch Faces Protest Concerning His Brother's Epstein Connections
During a engagement to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, King Charles was shouted at by a protester who asked him about his brother's relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The protester asked how long the monarch had been aware about his brother's association with Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the police to "hide" for Andrew.
Amid the protest, there were throngs of fans and applause for the King, who was visiting the region for an ceremony.
The Duke of York's associations with Epstein have been under renewed focus in the past few weeks. The prince, who relinquished his royal duties earlier this month, has categorically denied any wrongdoing.
"For how long have you known about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Have you asked the police to conceal for Andrew?"
The monarch did not respond but carried on greeting fans, some of whom shouted "Long live the King". One fan can be overheard requesting him for a embrace.
A female bystander outside the venue was also observed telling the protester to "leave" and to "shut up".
Controversy Reignited by Posthumous Publication
The scandal over the Duke of York's connections to Jeffrey Epstein has been brought back into focus by sexual abuse allegations detailed in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published book.
In the memoir, Ms Giuffre claims she had sexual encounters with the royal on multiple times, including once with Jeffrey Epstein and "several other minors"
Prince Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has repeatedly denied any misconduct. In a previous interview, he told a news program he did not remember meeting Ms Giuffre "ever", and that they "never had any sort of intimate relations."
New Inquiries Over Lifestyle and Living Arrangements
But in recent times, fresh questions have been raised about how he is able to finance his way of life despite not being a working royal.
The disclosure that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Windsor mansion has intensified the scrutiny over his housing situation - even though he made large payments initially, including for improvements.
The Liberal Democrats said he should be called in before MPs to give evidence about his rental agreement of his residence.
But last Thursday, the government declined to give MPs time to discuss the prince's titles or his home, despite increasing calls for scrutiny.
Buckingham Palace has not issued a statement on whether Prince Andrew might move out of his current residence - or where he might reside.
Related Topics
- The Duke of York
- UK Royal Family
- The Monarch