King Charles Encounters Heckling Regarding His Brother's Epstein Connections
In the course of a engagement to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday, King Charles was shouted at by a man who questioned him about Prince Andrew's connections with convicted sex offender Epstein.
The protester inquired how long the King had been aware about his sibling's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had asked the police to "conceal" for Andrew.
Despite the heckling, there were large groups of supporters and applause for the monarch, who was visiting Staffordshire for an engagement.
The Duke of York's connections with Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks. The royal, who relinquished his royal duties earlier this month, has strongly denied any misconduct.
"For how long have you known about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Have you asked the authorities to cover up for him?"
The King ignored the questions but carried on meeting fans, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One fan can be overheard asking him for a embrace.
Another woman outside the venue was also heard telling the protester to "leave" and to "shut up".
Scandal Revived by Posthumous Publication
The controversy over Prince Andrew's links to Epstein has been reignited by sexual abuse allegations detailed in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published book.
In the memoir, the accuser claims she had sexual encounters with the prince on three separate occasions, including one instance with Epstein and "several other minors"
Andrew, who agreed to a out-of-court agreement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. 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 intimate relations."
Fresh Questions Over Lifestyle and Living Arrangements
But recently, fresh questions have been asked about how he is able to finance his lifestyle despite not being a working royal.
The disclosure that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Royal Lodge has intensified the scrutiny over his housing situation - even though he made significant contributions up front, including for renovations.
The Liberal Democrats said he should be summoned front of MPs to give evidence about his rental agreement of his residence.
But last week, the authorities declined to give parliamentarians time to discuss the prince's titles or his residence, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.
Buckingham Palace has not commented on whether the Duke of York might relocate of his current residence - or where he might go.
Associated Issues
- Prince Andrew
- UK Royal Family
- King Charles III