King Charles Encounters Protest Concerning His Brother's Jeffrey Epstein Links
In the course of a visit to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, the King was heckled by a individual who asked him about Prince Andrew's relationship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The protester demanded to know how long the monarch had been known about his brother's relationship with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had instructed the police to "hide" for Andrew.
Amid the protest, there were throngs of well-wishers and applause for the King, who was in the region for an ceremony.
Prince Andrew's associations with Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks. The prince, who gave up his titles earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any misconduct.
"For how long have you been aware about Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Did you request the authorities to cover up for him?"
The monarch did not respond but carried on meeting fans, some of whom shouted "Long live the King". One supporter can be heard requesting him for a hug.
Another woman outside the cathedral was also heard telling the heckler to "go away" and to "be quiet".
Scandal Reignited by Memoir
The scandal over Prince Andrew's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been revived by sexual abuse allegations repeated in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published memoir.
In the publication, Ms Giuffre says she had sex with the prince on three separate occasions, including once with Jeffrey Epstein and "several other minors"
Prince Andrew, who reached a financial settlement with the plaintiff in recent years, has consistently 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 sexual contact."
Fresh Questions About Finances and Living Arrangements
But in recent times, new inquiries have been raised about how he is able to fund his way of life despite not being a working royal.
The disclosure that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Windsor mansion has intensified the scrutiny over his housing situation - even though he made large payments up front, including for renovations.
The political party said he should be called in front of members of parliament to give evidence about his rental agreement of his residence.
But last Thursday, the authorities refused to give parliamentarians time to discuss the prince's status or his home, despite growing pressure for investigation.
The royal household has not issued a statement on whether Prince Andrew might relocate of his home - or where he might reside.
Associated Issues
- Prince Andrew
- British Monarchy
- The Monarch