King Charles Faces Protest Concerning Prince Andrew's Jeffrey Epstein Links
During a visit to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, King Charles was heckled by a protester who asked him about Prince Andrew's relationship with disgraced financier Epstein.
The man inquired how long the monarch had been aware about his brother's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the authorities to "cover up" for Prince Andrew.
Despite the heckling, there were crowds of supporters and cheers for the monarch, who was visiting the region for an engagement.
The Duke of York's associations with Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks. The royal, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has strongly denied any wrongdoing.
"How long have you known about Prince Andrew and Epstein? Did you request the authorities to cover up for Andrew?"
The monarch ignored the questions but carried on meeting fans, some of whom chanted "God Save The King". One supporter can be overheard requesting him for a embrace.
Another woman outside the cathedral was also observed telling the protester to "leave" and to "shut up".
Controversy Revived by Memoir
The controversy over the Duke of York's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been brought back into focus by misconduct claims detailed in Ms. Giuffre's posthumously-published memoir.
In the memoir, Ms Giuffre claims she had sex with the royal on three separate occasions, including once with Jeffrey Epstein and "eight other young girls"
Andrew, who reached a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told a news program he did not remember meeting Ms Giuffre "ever", and that they "never had any sort of intimate relations."
Fresh Questions Over Lifestyle and Housing
But recently, new inquiries have been raised about how he is able to fund his lifestyle despite not being a working royal.
The disclosure that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Royal Lodge has heightened the scrutiny over his living arrangements - even though he made large payments initially, including for renovations.
The political party said he should be summoned front of members of parliament to give testimony about his lease of his lodge.
But last week, the government declined to give parliamentarians time to discuss the prince's titles or his residence, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.
The royal household 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
- The Monarch