The Monarch Faces Protest Regarding Prince Andrew's Jeffrey Epstein Links
In the course of a visit to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, King Charles was confronted by a man who questioned him about Prince Andrew's connections with disgraced financier Epstein.
The protester demanded to know how long the King had been known about his brother's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the police to "cover up" for Prince Andrew.
Despite the heckling, there were crowds of fans and applause for the King, who was visiting the region for an engagement.
Prince Andrew's associations 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 known about Andrew and Epstein? Did you request the authorities to conceal for Andrew?"
The monarch ignored the questions but carried on greeting fans, some of whom shouted "God Save The King". One supporter can be overheard requesting him for a hug.
Another woman outside the cathedral was also observed telling the protester to "leave" and to "be quiet".
Scandal Reignited by Posthumous Publication
The scandal over the Duke of York's connections to Jeffrey Epstein has been reignited by sexual abuse allegations detailed in Ms. Giuffre's recently released book.
In the publication, the accuser claims she had sex with the royal on multiple times, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "eight other young girls"
Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with the plaintiff in recent years, has repeatedly denied any misconduct. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting Ms Giuffre "ever", and that they "never had any sort of sexual contact."
New Inquiries Over Finances and Housing
But in recent times, fresh questions have been asked 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 token annual rent on his Royal Lodge has heightened the scrutiny over his living arrangements - even though he made significant contributions up front, including for renovations.
The Liberal Democrats said he should be summoned before members of parliament to give testimony about his lease of his lodge.
But last week, the government refused to give parliamentarians time to discuss the royal's status or his residence, despite increasing calls for investigation.
Buckingham Palace has not commented on whether the Duke of York might relocate of his home - or where he might reside.
Associated Issues
- The Duke of York
- British Monarchy
- King Charles III