King Charles Faces Protest Concerning His Brother's Epstein Links
In the course of a public appearance to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, the King was heckled by a individual who questioned him about Prince Andrew's relationship with disgraced financier Epstein.
The protester asked how long the King had been known about his sibling's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had instructed the police to "cover up" for Prince Andrew.
Despite the heckling, there were crowds of fans and applause for the monarch, who was visiting Staffordshire for an ceremony.
The Duke of York's connections with Jeffrey Epstein have been under renewed focus in recent weeks. The royal, who relinquished his royal duties earlier this month, has strongly denied any misconduct.
"How long have you known about Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Have you asked the authorities to cover up for Andrew?"
The King remained silent but carried on greeting supporters, some of whom shouted "God Save The King". One supporter can be heard asking him for a hug.
A female bystander outside the venue was also observed telling the heckler to "leave" and to "shut up".
Controversy Revived by Memoir
The scandal over Prince Andrew's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been revived by sexual abuse claims detailed in Ms. Giuffre's recently released memoir.
In the publication, Ms Giuffre claims she had sex with the royal on multiple times, including once with Epstein and "eight other young girls"
Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has consistently denied any misconduct. In a previous interview, he told a news program he did not remember meeting her "at all", and that they "did not have any sort of sexual contact."
Fresh Questions About Finances and Living Arrangements
But recently, new inquiries have been asked about how he is able to fund his lifestyle despite not being a working royal.
The revelation that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Windsor mansion has heightened the examination over his housing situation - even though he made large payments initially, including for renovations.
The political party said he should be called in front of members of parliament to give testimony about his rental agreement of his lodge.
But last Thursday, the authorities declined to give parliamentarians time to debate the royal's titles or his home, despite increasing calls for scrutiny.
The royal household has not commented on whether the Duke of York might move out of his current residence - or where he might go.
Related Topics
- The Duke of York
- British Monarchy
- King Charles III