The Monarch Confronts Heckling Over Prince Andrew's Epstein Links
During a engagement to a cathedral in Staffordshire on the start of the week, King Charles was confronted by a man who questioned him about Prince Andrew's links with disgraced financier Epstein.
The man inquired how long the monarch had been aware 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 heckling, there were crowds of well-wishers and applause for the King, who was visiting the region for an engagement.
The Duke of York's links with Jeffrey Epstein have been under renewed focus in the past few weeks. The royal, who relinquished his royal duties earlier this month, has strongly denied any misconduct.
"How long have you known about Andrew and Epstein? Did you request the authorities to conceal for Andrew?"
The monarch ignored the questions but carried on meeting supporters, some of whom shouted "Long live the King". One supporter can be heard asking him for a embrace.
A female bystander outside the venue was also observed telling the heckler to "leave" and to "shut up".
Scandal Revived by Posthumous Publication
The controversy over the Duke of York's connections to Epstein has been revived by sexual abuse allegations repeated in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published book.
In the publication, Ms Giuffre says she had sexual encounters with the royal on multiple times, including one instance with Epstein and "several other minors"
Prince Andrew, who agreed to a out-of-court agreement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has repeatedly denied any misconduct. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting her "ever", and that they "never had any sort of intimate relations."
New Inquiries Over Lifestyle and Housing
But recently, fresh questions have been raised about how he is able to finance his lifestyle despite not being a active member of the royal family.
The revelation that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Windsor mansion has heightened the scrutiny over his housing situation - even though he made large payments initially, including for improvements.
The political party said he should be summoned before MPs to give evidence about his lease of his lodge.
But last Thursday, the authorities declined to give MPs time to discuss the royal's titles or his home, despite growing pressure for investigation.
Buckingham Palace has not issued a statement on whether Prince Andrew might move out of his current residence - or where he might reside.
Associated Issues
- The Duke of York
- British Monarchy
- The Monarch