The Monarch Confronts Protest Concerning Prince Andrew's Jeffrey Epstein Ties
In the course of a visit to a cathedral in Staffordshire on the start of the week, King Charles was confronted by a individual who asked him about his brother's links with disgraced financier Epstein.
The individual inquired how long the monarch had been known about his brother's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had asked the authorities to "hide" for Andrew.
Amid the protest, there were crowds of well-wishers and applause for the monarch, who was visiting the region for an event.
The Duke of York's links with Jeffrey Epstein have been under close examination in the past few weeks. The prince, who relinquished his titles earlier this month, has strongly denied any wrongdoing.
"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 fans, some of whom shouted "Long live the King". One supporter can be heard requesting him for a embrace.
A female bystander outside the cathedral was also observed telling the heckler to "go away" and to "be quiet".
Controversy Reignited by Posthumous Publication
The scandal over the Duke of York's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been brought back into focus by sexual abuse claims repeated in Virginia Giuffre's recently released memoir.
In the memoir, the accuser says she had sex with the royal on three separate occasions, including one instance with Epstein and "several other minors"
Prince Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with the plaintiff in recent years, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told a news program he did not remember meeting her "ever", and that they "did not have any sort of intimate relations."
New Inquiries About Lifestyle and Living Arrangements
But recently, new inquiries have been raised 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 token annual rent on his Windsor mansion has intensified the examination over his living arrangements - even though he made significant contributions initially, including for renovations.
The political party said he should be summoned front of MPs to give evidence about his lease of his residence.
But last week, the government declined to give parliamentarians 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 Prince Andrew might move out of his home - or where he might reside.
Related Topics
- The Duke of York
- UK Royal Family
- King Charles III