The Monarch Confronts Heckling Regarding His Brother's Epstein Links
During a public appearance to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, King Charles was confronted by a individual who questioned him about Prince Andrew's links with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The individual asked how long the monarch had been aware about his sibling's association with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had instructed the police to "cover up" for Prince Andrew.
Despite the heckling, there were large groups of fans and applause for the monarch, who was in the region for an ceremony.
Prince Andrew's associations with Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks. The royal, who gave up his titles earlier this month, has categorically denied any misconduct.
"For how long have you known about Andrew and Epstein? Did you request the police to conceal for Andrew?"
The King ignored the questions but carried on greeting supporters, some of whom chanted "God Save The King". One supporter can be heard asking him for a embrace.
Another woman outside the cathedral was also heard telling the protester to "leave" and to "be quiet".
Scandal Revived by Memoir
The scandal over the Duke of York's connections to Epstein has been reignited by sexual abuse claims repeated in Ms. Giuffre's recently released book.
In the memoir, Ms Giuffre says she had sexual encounters with the prince on multiple times, including one instance with Epstein and "eight other young girls"
Andrew, who agreed to a out-of-court agreement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting Ms Giuffre "ever", and that they "never had any sort of intimate relations."
New Inquiries About Lifestyle and Living Arrangements
But in recent times, new inquiries have been asked about how he is able to fund his lifestyle despite not being a working royal.
The disclosure that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Windsor mansion has heightened the examination over his housing situation - even though he made large payments initially, including for renovations.
The Liberal Democrats said he should be called in front of members of parliament to give testimony about his rental agreement of his residence.
But last week, the government declined to give parliamentarians time to discuss the royal's status or his residence, despite increasing calls for scrutiny.
The royal household has not commented 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