King Charles Confronts Protest Over His Brother's Epstein Ties
During a public appearance to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, the King was shouted at by a protester who questioned him about his brother's connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The protester inquired how long the King had been aware about his brother's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had instructed the authorities to "conceal" for Prince Andrew.
Despite the heckling, there were throngs of supporters and applause for the King, who was in the region for an event.
The Duke of York's links with Jeffrey Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks. The prince, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has strongly denied any misconduct.
"For how long have you known about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Did you request the police to cover up for Andrew?"
The King did not respond but carried on greeting fans, some of whom shouted "Long live the King". One supporter can be heard requesting him for a hug.
A female bystander outside the cathedral was also observed telling the heckler to "go away" and to "be quiet".
Controversy Reignited by Posthumous Publication
The scandal over the Duke of York's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been revived by sexual abuse claims repeated in Ms. Giuffre's posthumously-published memoir.
In the publication, the accuser says she had sexual encounters with the royal on three separate occasions, including once with Jeffrey Epstein and "several other minors"
Andrew, who agreed to a out-of-court agreement with the plaintiff in recent years, has repeatedly denied any misconduct. In a previous interview, he told a news program he did not remember meeting her "at all", and that they "never had any sort of sexual contact."
New Inquiries Over Finances and Living Arrangements
But in recent times, new inquiries have been asked about how he is able to finance 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 significant contributions up front, including for improvements.
The political party said he should be called in before MPs to give evidence about his rental agreement of his lodge.
But last week, the authorities refused to give parliamentarians time to discuss the prince's titles or his residence, despite increasing calls for investigation.
Buckingham Palace has not issued a statement on whether the Duke of York might move out of his home - or where he might go.
Related Topics
- Prince Andrew
- British Monarchy
- King Charles III