The Monarch Confronts Protest Concerning His Brother's Epstein Links
During a visit to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday, King Charles was confronted by a individual who questioned him about Prince Andrew's relationship with convicted sex offender Epstein.
The man asked how long the monarch had been known about his sibling's relationship with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had instructed the authorities to "conceal" for Prince Andrew.
Despite the protest, there were crowds of supporters and cheers for the monarch, who was visiting Staffordshire for an engagement.
Prince Andrew's connections with Jeffrey Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in the past few weeks. The royal, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
"How long have you known about Prince Andrew and Epstein? Have you asked the authorities to conceal for him?"
The monarch remained silent but continued meeting supporters, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One fan can be heard asking him for a embrace.
A female bystander outside the cathedral was also heard telling the protester to "go away" and to "be quiet".
Controversy Revived by Memoir
The controversy over the Duke of York's connections to Jeffrey Epstein has been reignited by sexual abuse allegations repeated in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published book.
In the publication, Ms Giuffre claims she had sex with the royal on three separate occasions, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "several other minors"
Prince Andrew, who reached a financial settlement with the plaintiff in 2022, has consistently denied any misconduct. In 2019, he told a news program he did not recall meeting her "at all", and that they "did not have any sort of intimate relations."
Fresh Questions About Lifestyle and Living Arrangements
But in recent times, fresh questions have been asked about how he is able to fund his way of life despite not being a active member of the royal family.
The disclosure that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Windsor mansion has intensified the scrutiny over his living arrangements - even though he made large payments initially, including for improvements.
The Liberal Democrats said he should be called in before MPs to give evidence about his rental agreement of his residence.
But last week, the government refused to give parliamentarians time to debate the royal's status or his home, despite increasing calls for investigation.
Buckingham Palace has not commented on whether the Duke of York might relocate of his home - or where he might reside.
Associated Issues
- Prince Andrew
- British Monarchy
- King Charles III