King Charles Confronts Heckling Concerning Prince Andrew's Jeffrey Epstein Links
During a engagement to a cathedral in Staffordshire on the start of the week, King Charles was shouted at by a protester who asked him about Prince Andrew's links with convicted sex offender Epstein.
The protester demanded to know how long the King had been aware about his sibling's relationship with Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the authorities to "conceal" for Andrew.
Despite the heckling, there were crowds of well-wishers and applause for the King, who was in the region for an ceremony.
The Duke of York's associations with Jeffrey Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks. The prince, who gave up his titles earlier this month, has strongly denied any wrongdoing.
"How long have you been aware about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Did you request the authorities to cover up for Andrew?"
The King ignored the questions but carried on meeting supporters, some of whom chanted "God Save The King". One supporter can be heard asking him for a embrace.
A female bystander outside the venue was also observed telling the protester to "go away" and to "shut up".
Scandal Reignited by Memoir
The scandal over Prince Andrew's links to Epstein has been revived by sexual abuse claims repeated in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published memoir.
In the memoir, Ms Giuffre alleges she had sexual encounters with the prince on three separate occasions, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "several other minors"
Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has repeatedly denied any misconduct. In a previous interview, he told a news program he did not remember meeting Ms Giuffre "ever", and that they "never had any sort of sexual contact."
Fresh Questions Over Finances and Living Arrangements
But in recent times, fresh questions have been raised about how he is able to fund his lifestyle despite not being a active member of the royal family.
The revelation that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Royal Lodge has intensified the scrutiny over his housing situation - even though he made large payments initially, including for renovations.
The Liberal Democrats said he should be called in front of members of parliament to give testimony about his lease of his residence.
But last week, the authorities declined to give MPs time to discuss the royal's titles or his home, despite increasing calls for scrutiny.
Buckingham Palace has not issued a statement on whether the Duke of York might move out of his current residence - or where he might go.
Associated Issues
- The Duke of York
- British Monarchy
- King Charles III