King Charles Faces Heckling Concerning His Brother's Epstein Connections
During a visit to a cathedral in Staffordshire on the start of the week, King Charles was shouted at by a individual who questioned him about Prince Andrew's relationship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The protester asked how long the monarch had been known about his brother's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had asked the police to "hide" for Prince Andrew.
Despite the protest, there were crowds of supporters and applause for the monarch, who was in Staffordshire for an event.
The Duke of York's connections with Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks. The royal, who gave up his titles earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any misconduct.
"How long have you known about Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Did you request the authorities to cover up for Andrew?"
The King remained silent but carried on greeting fans, some of whom shouted "Long live the King". One fan can be overheard requesting him for a hug.
Another woman outside the venue was also observed telling the heckler to "go away" and to "shut up".
Controversy Reignited by Memoir
The scandal over the Duke of York's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been revived by sexual abuse claims repeated in Virginia Giuffre's recently released book.
In the memoir, Ms Giuffre says she had sexual encounters with the prince on multiple times, including once with Epstein and "several other minors"
Prince Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting her "ever", and that they "did not have any sort of sexual contact."
Fresh Questions Over Finances and Housing
But recently, fresh questions have been asked about how he is able to fund his way of life despite not being a working royal.
The revelation that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Royal Lodge has heightened 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 front of members of parliament to give testimony about his lease of his lodge.
But last Thursday, the government declined to give MPs time to discuss the royal's status or his residence, 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
- The Monarch