King Charles Faces Heckling Regarding Prince Andrew's Epstein Links
During a public appearance to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday, the King was confronted by a protester who questioned him about his brother's connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The man demanded to know how long the King had been known about his brother's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had asked the authorities to "hide" for Andrew.
Amid the heckling, there were crowds of well-wishers and applause for the King, who was visiting Staffordshire for an engagement.
Prince Andrew's connections with Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in the past few weeks. The royal, who gave up his titles earlier this month, has strongly denied any wrongdoing.
"How long have you been aware about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Have you asked the police to conceal for Andrew?"
The King remained silent but continued meeting supporters, some of whom chanted "God Save The King". One supporter can be overheard requesting him for a hug.
A female bystander outside the venue was also observed telling the heckler to "go away" and to "shut up".
Controversy Revived by Memoir
The controversy over Prince Andrew's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been revived by sexual abuse allegations detailed in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published memoir.
In the publication, the accuser says she had sexual encounters with the prince on three separate occasions, including once with Epstein and "several other minors"
Prince Andrew, who reached a financial settlement with the plaintiff in recent years, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting her "ever", and that they "did not have any sort of sexual contact."
New Inquiries About Finances and Housing
But recently, new inquiries have been raised about how he is able to finance his way of life despite not being a active member of the royal family.
The revelation that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Windsor mansion has heightened the examination over his living arrangements - even though he made large payments up front, including for improvements.
The political party said he should be called in before members of parliament to give testimony about his rental agreement of his lodge.
But last week, the government declined to give MPs time to discuss the royal's titles or his home, despite growing pressure for investigation.
Buckingham Palace has not issued a statement on whether Prince Andrew might relocate of his home - or where he might go.
Related Topics
- The Duke of York
- UK Royal Family
- King Charles III