The Monarch Confronts Heckling Over His Brother's Jeffrey Epstein Links
During a engagement to a cathedral in Staffordshire on the start of the week, King Charles was confronted by a protester who questioned him about Prince Andrew's relationship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The individual inquired how long the King had been known about his brother's relationship with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had asked the authorities to "conceal" for Andrew.
Despite the heckling, there were throngs of well-wishers and cheers for the monarch, who was visiting Staffordshire for an engagement.
Prince Andrew's links with Jeffrey Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks. The prince, who relinquished his royal duties earlier this month, has categorically denied any misconduct.
"How long have you known about Andrew and Epstein? Did you request the authorities to cover up for Andrew?"
The monarch ignored the questions but continued meeting supporters, some of whom shouted "God Save The King". One supporter can be heard asking him for a embrace.
Another woman outside the cathedral was also heard telling the heckler to "go away" and to "shut up".
Controversy Reignited by Posthumous Publication
The controversy over Prince Andrew's connections to Epstein has been brought back into focus by sexual abuse allegations detailed in Virginia Giuffre's recently released memoir.
In the memoir, the accuser says she had sex with the royal on multiple times, including once with Epstein and "eight other young girls"
Prince Andrew, who agreed to a out-of-court agreement with the plaintiff in recent years, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not recall meeting Ms Giuffre "at all", and that they "never had 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 fund his way of life despite not being a active member of the royal family.
The disclosure that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Windsor mansion has heightened the scrutiny over his housing situation - even though he made large payments up front, including for renovations.
The Liberal Democrats said he should be summoned front of MPs to give testimony about his rental agreement of his residence.
But last week, the government declined to give parliamentarians time to debate the royal's status or his residence, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.
Buckingham Palace has not issued a statement on whether the Duke of York might relocate of his home - or where he might go.
Associated Issues
- Prince Andrew
- UK Royal Family
- The Monarch