King Charles Faces Protest Concerning Prince Andrew's Epstein Links

In the course of a visit to a cathedral in Staffordshire on the start of the week, the King was shouted at by a protester who questioned him about his brother's links with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The protester asked how long the monarch had been known about his brother's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had instructed the police to "cover up" for Prince Andrew.

Amid the heckling, there were crowds of supporters and applause for the King, who was in the region for an engagement.

Prince Andrew's connections with Jeffrey Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks. The royal, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

"For how long have you known about Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Did you request the police to conceal for him?"

The King did not respond but carried on meeting fans, some of whom chanted "God Save The King". One supporter can be overheard asking him for a embrace.

Another woman outside the cathedral was also heard telling the protester to "leave" and to "be quiet".

Scandal Reignited by Posthumous Publication

The controversy over the Duke of York's links to Epstein has been revived by misconduct allegations detailed in Virginia Giuffre's recently released memoir.

In the publication, Ms Giuffre claims she had sexual encounters with the prince on three separate occasions, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Prince Andrew, who reached a financial settlement with the plaintiff in recent years, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting Ms Giuffre "ever", and that they "never had any sort of intimate relations."

Fresh Questions About Finances and Living Arrangements

But recently, fresh questions have been raised about how he is able to fund his way of life despite not being a working royal.

The disclosure that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Royal Lodge has intensified the examination over his living arrangements - even though he made large payments initially, including for renovations.

The Liberal Democrats said he should be called in before members of parliament to give evidence about his rental agreement of his residence.

But last week, the government declined to give MPs time to debate the royal's status or his home, despite increasing calls for scrutiny.

The royal household has not issued a statement on whether the Duke of York might move out of his current residence - or where he might reside.

Associated Issues

  • Prince Andrew
  • UK Royal Family
  • King Charles III
Aaron Larson
Aaron Larson

A digital strategist with over a decade of experience in tech journalism, specializing in UK market trends and innovation.