The Monarch Encounters Heckling Regarding His Brother's Jeffrey Epstein Ties
In the course of a visit to a cathedral in Staffordshire on the start of the week, King Charles was shouted at by a man who asked him about Prince Andrew's relationship with convicted sex offender Epstein.
The man asked how long the King had been aware about his sibling's relationship with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had asked the authorities to "conceal" for Prince Andrew.
Despite the heckling, there were crowds of supporters and applause for the monarch, who was in Staffordshire for an engagement.
The Duke of York's links with Jeffrey Epstein have been under close examination in recent weeks. The prince, who gave up his titles earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
"How long have you known about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Did you request the authorities to cover up for Andrew?"
The monarch did not respond but carried on greeting fans, some of whom shouted "God Save The King". One supporter can be overheard asking him for a hug.
Another woman outside the cathedral was also heard telling the heckler to "go away" and to "be quiet".
Scandal Revived by Posthumous Publication
The controversy over the Duke of York's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been reignited by sexual abuse allegations detailed in Ms. Giuffre's posthumously-published memoir.
In the publication, the accuser says she had sex with the royal on multiple times, including once with Jeffrey Epstein and "several other minors"
Prince Andrew, who reached a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has repeatedly denied any misconduct. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not recall meeting her "at all", and that they "did not have any sort of sexual contact."
Fresh Questions About Finances and Living Arrangements
But in recent times, fresh questions have been asked about how he is able to fund his lifestyle despite not being a active member of the royal family.
The revelation that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Royal Lodge has intensified the examination over his housing situation - even though he made large payments up front, including for improvements.
The political party said he should be summoned front of MPs to give evidence about his lease of his lodge.
But last week, the authorities declined to give parliamentarians time to discuss the prince's titles or his home, despite increasing calls for scrutiny.
The royal household has not issued a statement on whether the Duke of York might move out of his home - or where he might reside.
Associated Issues
- The Duke of York
- UK Royal Family
- King Charles III