King Charles Faces Heckling Regarding His Brother's Jeffrey Epstein Ties
During a engagement to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday, the King was heckled by a protester who questioned him about Prince Andrew's connections with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The individual demanded to know how long the King had been aware about his brother's relationship with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had instructed the authorities to "hide" for Prince Andrew.
Amid the protest, there were crowds of fans and cheers for the monarch, who was visiting the region for an event.
Prince Andrew's associations with Jeffrey Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks. The prince, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
"For how long have you been aware about Andrew and Epstein? Have you asked the authorities to cover up for him?"
The King ignored the questions but continued greeting supporters, some of whom shouted "Long live the King". One supporter can be overheard asking him for a embrace.
A female bystander outside the cathedral was also observed telling the protester to "leave" and to "shut up".
Controversy Revived by Memoir
The scandal over Prince Andrew's links to Epstein has been revived by misconduct claims detailed in Ms. Giuffre's posthumously-published book.
In the publication, the accuser alleges she had sexual encounters with the prince on three separate occasions, including once with Epstein and "several other minors"
Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told a news program he did not recall meeting her "ever", and that they "did not have any sort of sexual contact."
Fresh Questions About Finances and Housing
But in recent times, fresh questions have been raised about how he is able to finance his lifestyle despite not being a active member of the royal family.
The disclosure that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Royal Lodge has intensified the scrutiny over his housing situation - even though he made large payments initially, including for renovations.
The political party said he should be summoned front of members of parliament to give testimony about his rental agreement of his residence.
But last week, the government declined to give MPs time to debate the royal's titles or his residence, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.
The royal household has not commented on whether Prince Andrew might move out of his home - or where he might reside.
Associated Issues
- Prince Andrew
- UK Royal Family
- King Charles III