King Charles Faces Heckling Over Prince Andrew's Epstein Ties
During a public appearance to a cathedral in Staffordshire on Monday, the King was confronted by a individual who questioned him about Prince Andrew's connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The individual demanded to know how long the King had been known about his sibling's association with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had instructed the police to "cover up" for Andrew.
Despite the heckling, there were crowds of fans and applause for the monarch, who was visiting Staffordshire for an engagement.
Prince Andrew's connections with Epstein have been under renewed focus in recent weeks. The prince, who relinquished his titles earlier this month, has categorically denied any wrongdoing.
"For how long have you known about Andrew and Epstein? Did you request the authorities to conceal for Andrew?"
The King ignored the questions but carried on meeting fans, some of whom shouted "God Save The King". One supporter can be overheard asking him for a embrace.
A female bystander outside the venue was also heard telling the heckler to "go away" and to "be quiet".
Scandal Revived by Memoir
The scandal over Prince Andrew's connections to Epstein has been revived by sexual abuse claims detailed in Ms. Giuffre's posthumously-published book.
In the memoir, the accuser says she had sex with the prince on three separate occasions, including once with Epstein and "eight other young girls"
Prince Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has consistently denied any misconduct. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not recall meeting Ms Giuffre "ever", and that they "never had any sort of intimate relations."
Fresh Questions Over Finances and Housing
But in recent times, fresh questions have been raised 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 token annual rent on his Windsor mansion has intensified the scrutiny over his living arrangements - even though he made significant contributions up front, including for improvements.
The political party said he should be summoned before MPs to give testimony about his lease of his lodge.
But last week, the authorities 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 the Duke of York might relocate of his home - or where he might reside.
Related Topics
- The Duke of York
- British Monarchy
- King Charles III