The Monarch Faces Protest Regarding His Brother's Epstein Ties
In the course of a public appearance to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday, King Charles was heckled by a protester who questioned him about Prince Andrew's links with disgraced financier Epstein.
The individual inquired how long the King had been known about his sibling's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the authorities to "hide" for Prince Andrew.
Despite the protest, there were crowds of supporters and cheers for the monarch, who was visiting the region for an event.
The Duke of York's links with Epstein have been under close examination in the past few weeks. The royal, who gave up his titles earlier this month, has strongly denied any misconduct.
"How long have you been aware about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Have you asked the police to conceal for him?"
The monarch ignored the questions but carried on greeting fans, some of whom shouted "Long live the King". One supporter can be heard asking him for a hug.
A female bystander outside the cathedral was also heard telling the protester to "go away" and to "shut up".
Scandal Revived by Memoir
The scandal over the Duke of York's connections to Jeffrey Epstein has been revived by sexual abuse allegations repeated in Ms. Giuffre's posthumously-published book.
In the memoir, the accuser claims she had sex with the royal on three separate occasions, including one instance with Epstein and "several other minors"
Prince Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has repeatedly denied any misconduct. In a previous interview, he told a news program he did not remember meeting her "ever", and that they "never had any sort of intimate relations."
New Inquiries Over Finances and Living Arrangements
But in recent times, new inquiries have been raised about how he is able to fund his lifestyle 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 intensified the scrutiny over his housing situation - even though he made significant contributions up front, including for improvements.
The Liberal Democrats said he should be called in before members of parliament to give testimony about his rental agreement of his lodge.
But last Thursday, the government refused to give MPs time to debate the prince's status or his residence, despite increasing calls for investigation.
The royal household has not issued a statement on whether the Duke of York might move out of his current residence - or where he might reside.
Associated Issues
- The Duke of York
- UK Royal Family
- The Monarch