The Monarch Faces Heckling Over Prince Andrew's Jeffrey Epstein Links
In the course of a engagement to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday, the King was heckled by a individual who questioned him about his brother's connections with convicted sex offender Epstein.
The man inquired how long the King had been known about his sibling's relationship with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had asked the police to "cover up" for Prince Andrew.
Amid the protest, there were large groups of well-wishers and applause for the King, who was in Staffordshire for an engagement.
Prince Andrew's associations with Epstein have been under close examination in the past few weeks. The royal, who relinquished his titles earlier this month, has categorically denied any misconduct.
"For how long have you been aware about Andrew and Epstein? Did you request the police to conceal for him?"
The King did not respond but carried on meeting supporters, some of whom chanted "God Save The King". One supporter can be overheard requesting him for a hug.
A female bystander outside the venue was also heard telling the heckler to "leave" and to "be quiet".
Scandal Reignited by Memoir
The controversy over Prince Andrew's connections to Jeffrey Epstein has been brought back into focus by misconduct claims repeated in Virginia Giuffre's recently released memoir.
In the memoir, Ms Giuffre says she had sex with the prince on three separate occasions, including one instance with Epstein and "several other minors"
Andrew, who reached a financial settlement with the plaintiff in 2022, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not recall meeting her "ever", and that they "did not have any sort of sexual contact."
Fresh Questions About Finances 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 Windsor mansion has heightened the examination over his living arrangements - even though he made large payments initially, including for improvements.
The Liberal Democrats said he should be summoned before members of parliament to give evidence about his lease of his residence.
But last Thursday, the government declined to give parliamentarians time to discuss the royal's status or his home, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.
The royal household has not commented on whether Prince Andrew might relocate of his home - or where he might reside.
Associated Issues
- Prince Andrew
- British Monarchy
- King Charles III