King Charles has been heckled by a protester asking about Prince Andrew's ties to Jeffrey Epstein, as pressure continues to mount on the royal family over their relationship.
As he shook hands with people during a visit to Lichfield Cathedral in Staffordshire on Monday, Charles was asked whether he had asked police to “cover up” for his brother.
In a video of the incident a protester can be heard shouting: "How long have you known about Andrew and Epstein? Have you asked the police to cover up for Andrew?
"Should MPs be allowed to debate the royals in the House of Commons?"
The King, who was a few feet away, did not respond to the questions and other people could be heard telling the heckler to “go away" and to "shut up".
In recent weeks, Prince Andrew has faced continuing furore over his ties to late paedophile Epstein, and the publication of the posthumous memoirs by his sexual assault accuser Virginia Giuffre. Andrew strenuously denies all accusations.
Key Points
- King Charles heckled over Andrew and Epstein during cathedral visit
- Andrew 'agrees to leave Royal Lodge on condition he gets new home'
- Virginia Giuffre's lawyer says Met could have done more in Andrew investigation
- Comment: Will parliament’s push to strip Prince Andrew’s titles work?
Prince Andrew could face Commons scrutiny over title and peppercorn-rent mansion
04:00 , Athena StavrouMPs could debate Prince Andrew’s conduct, his 30-room mansion and the possibility of stripping him of his dukedom.
The Government has so far refused to allocate time in the House of Commons for MPs to discuss Andrew’s situation because the royal family wants Parliament to focus on “important issues”.
But the issue could be raised on one of the days when ministers are not in control of the parliamentary timetable.
A Liberal Democrat source indicated to the Sunday Times that the party could be prepared to use one of its opposition days to allow MPs to discuss Andrew’s behaviour.
Editorial: The loss of Prince Andrew’s titles is a turning point for the monarchy
04:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
The loss of Prince Andrew’s titles is a turning point for the monarchy
Andrew 'agrees to leave Royal Lodge on condition he gets new home'
03:00 , Nicole Wootton-CanePrince Andrew has reportedly agreed to leave the Royal Lodge under the condition he can move to Frogmore Cottage.
The prince has been facing mounting pressure to leave the 30 bedroom mansion this week.
According to The Sun, Andrew and his former wife Sarah Ferguson, who also lives at Royal Lodge, have agreed to move out if Andrew can move to Frogmore Cottage, and Sarah can move to Adelaide Cottage, where the Prince and Princess of Wales are due to move out of next month.
A friend of the pair told the paper: “Andy is willing to leave, but these are his demands.
“He is realistic and knows the writing is on the wall and that his time at Royal Lodge is up.
“If he must go then he has asked for Frogmore Cottage.
“Incredibly Sarah has said she wants Adelaide Cottage.”
Who owns Frogmore Cottage?
01:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneFrogmore Cottage is ultimately owned by the Crown Estate, but is used as a private royal residence and is not open to the public. Ownership of Frogmore Cottage is passed from monarch to monarch.
In 2019, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved into the property and used it as their official home base while in the UK. It was gifted to them by the late Queen Elizabeth after they married in 2018.
Harry and Meghan carried out renovations on the cottage using £2.4 million of taxpayer’s money, but have since paid it back in full by making a contribution to the Sovereign Grant.
The payment “fully covered the necessary renovation costs of Frogmore Cottage”, which remains “the UK residence of the duke and his family”, Harry’s spokesperson said in 2020.
The couple last spent time at the cottage in 2022, when they came to the UK to attend the late Queen’s platinum jubilee celebrations. They also hosted their daughter Lilibet’s first birthday there.
Prince Andrew could face Commons scrutiny over title and peppercorn-rent mansion
00:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneMPs could debate Prince Andrew’s conduct, his 30-room mansion and the possibility of stripping him of his dukedom.
The Government has so far refused to allocate time in the House of Commons for MPs to discuss Andrew’s situation because the royal family wants Parliament to focus on “important issues”.
But the issue could be raised on one of the days when ministers are not in control of the parliamentary timetable.
A Liberal Democrat source indicated to the Sunday Times that the party could be prepared to use one of its opposition days to allow MPs to discuss Andrew’s behaviour.
Recap: Andrew 'agrees to leave Royal Lodge on condition he gets new home'
23:19 , Athena StavrouPrince Andrew has reportedly agreed to leave Royal Lodge under the condition he can move to Frogmore Cottage, the former home of Prince Harry and Meghan, with a separate property for his former wife Sarah Ferguson.
Andrew has been facing mounting pressure to leave the 30-room mansion this week amid the continuing outcry over his links to Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew strenuously denies all accusations against him.
According to The Sun, Andrew and Ms Ferguson, who also lives at Royal Lodge, have agreed to move out if Andrew can move to Frogmore Cottage and Sarah can move to Adelaide Cottage - where the Prince and Princess of Wales are due to move out of next month.
“No one is really sure how it’s going to go down at the Palace yet,” a friend of the pair told the paper.
“Andy is willing to leave, but these are his demands. He is realistic and knows the writing is on the wall and that his time at Royal Lodge is up. If he must go then he has asked for Frogmore Cottage.”
Sarah Ferguson, Prince Andrew’s ex-wife, has reportedly denied the pair have made any demands to move into Frogmore Cottage and Adelaide Cottage.
A source told The Times she said the arrangement is one of the options suggested by Buckingham Palace in the past.
The Independent has contacted Buckingham Palace for comment.
Recap: Prince Andrew should ‘leave public life forever’, says Jenrick
23:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneComment: Will parliament’s push to strip Prince Andrew’s titles work?
22:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Will parliament’s push to strip Prince Andrew’s titles work?
Virginia Giuffre would see Prince Andrew giving up Royal titles ‘as a victory’, says memoir co-author
21:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneVirginia Giuffre would see Prince Andrew giving up his Royal titles "as a victory", said Amy Wallace, co-author of the Jeffrey Epstein-accuser's memoir.
Ms Wallace called the move a symbolic but important step in holding men accountable in an interview with BBC Newsnight on Monday (20 October).
Virginia Giuffre would see Prince Andrew giving up titles as ‘victory’
Watch: Demonstrators protest outside Prince Andrew's Windsor home
20:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneRecap: Andrew’s past ‘catching up with him’ amid controversy over home
20:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe co-author of Virginia Giuffre’s memoirs says Prince Andrew’s behaviour is “catching up with him” as he is reportedly in discussion about leaving his Royal Lodge home.
The book’s co-author Amy Wallace said Ms Giuffre wanted “wealthy, powerful men to be held to account”.
In an interview with the Associated Press, she said: “What we’re watching is Prince Andrew’s life is being eroded for his past behaviour.
“While he’s not being tried in a court of law, his behaviour’s catching up with him”.
Virginia Giuffre's lawyer says Met could have done more in Andrew investigation
19:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneVirginia Giuffre’s lawyer Sigrid McCawley felt that the Metropolitan Police should have been investigating Andrew over Giuffre’s claims that she was trafficked to him by Jeffrey Epstein and made to have sex with him in London, New York and the Caribbean, allegations that Andrew has always denied.
“The Met could have done more than they did,” Ms McCawley, 53, told The Sunday Times. “I particularly believe in the light of the email that came out [last weekend] that there should be a thorough investigation. I felt like the Met failed her a number of times.”
How could Prince Andrew be formally stripped of his titles?
19:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Inside Royal Lodge: Prince Andrew’s 30-room mansion
18:34 , Nicole Wootton-CanePrince Andrew is said to be in “advanced talks” over leaving Royal Lodge after it was revealed he had only paid a “peppercorn rent” for 20 years.
You can find out more about the 30-room mansion below...
Watch: King heckled over Prince Andrew as he greets crowds
18:13 , Athena StavrouKing Charles heckled over Andrew and Epstein during cathedral visit
18:12 , Athena StavrouKing Charles has been heckled by a protester asking about Prince Andrew's ties to Jeffrey Epstein, as pressure continues to mount on the royal family over their relationship.
As he shook hands with people during a visit to Lichfield Cathedral in Staffordshire on Monday, Charles was asked whether he had asked police to “cover up” for his brother.
In a video of the incident a protester can be heard shouting: "How long have you known about Andrew and Epstein? Have you asked the police to cover up for Andrew?
"Should MPs be allowed to debate the royals in the House of Commons?"
The King, who was a few feet away, did not respond to the questions and other people could be heard telling the heckler to “go away" and to "shut up".
Watch: Epstein survivor calls on Prince Andrew to give information on 'what he saw' in mansion
18:01 , Nicole Wootton-CaneMap shows distance between Royal Lodge and Adelaide Cottage
17:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThis map shows the distance between Royal Lodge, where Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson live now, and Adelaide Cottage, where Ms Ferguson could reportedly move.
Frogmore Cottage, where Prince Andrew could relocate, is located next to Adelaide Cottage.
Timeline of Prince Andrew scandals: From Queen’s favourite to Epstein allegations
17:02 , Nicole Wootton-CanePrince Andrew has come under increasing scrutiny since he was caught up in the Epstein scandal in 2019.
Widely purported to be the late Queen’s favourite child, Andrew has suffered a sharp fall from grace over the last decade.
You can read the full timeline of his scandals below...
Timeline of Prince Andrew scandals: From Queen’s favourite to Epstein allegations
Recap: Demonstrators protest outside Prince Andrew’s Royal Lodge home
16:32 , Nicole Wootton-CaneDemonstrators gathered outside the gates of Prince Andrew's Royal Lodge to push for a criminal investigation into the former Duke of York and his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Banners read "End Royal secrecy" and "What are you hiding?" as the protestors gathered outside the gate of Prince Andrew's residence in Windsor Great Park, Berkshire on Tuesday (21 October).
Demonstrators protest outside Prince Andrew’s Royal Lodge home
Watch: King attends unveiling of Armed Forces LGBT+ memorial
16:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneComment: Prince Andrew can’t outrun Epstein’s shadow or America’s questions
16:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Prince Andrew can’t outrun Epstein’s shadow or America’s questions
All the royal titles Prince Andrew has given up
15:34 , Nicole Wootton-CaneEarlier this month, Prince Andrew relinquished all of his royal titles ahead of the publication of Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir.
While he is still a prince, Andrew will no longer use his Duke of York title, but he will still retain his dukedom, which can only be removed by an Act of Parliament.
You can read about all of the royal titles Prince Andrew has given up below...
Comment: Prince Andrew is in danger of dragging the late Queen’s name down with him
15:01 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Prince Andrew is in danger of dragging the late Queen’s name down with him
In pictures: King Charles visits LGBT+ Armed Forces memorial in Staffordshire
14:30 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Watch: Prince William 'hopping mad with black sheep Uncle' Andrew, says royal expert Jennie Bond
14:02 , Nicole Wootton-CaneRecap: Royals want MPs to focus on ‘important issues’ not Prince Andrew, No 10 says
13:34 , Nicole Wootton-CaneMPs will not be given time in the House of Commons to discuss Prince Andrew’s conduct because the royal family wants Parliament to focus on “important issues”, Downing Street said last week.
It comes as sources suggested MPs could raise the issue when ministers are not in control of the parliamentary timetable.
Prince Andrew could face Commons scrutiny over title and peppercorn-rent mansion
In pictures: King Charles visits Lichfield Cathedral
13:15 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Can Prince Andrew be evicted from Royal Lodge?
13:01 , Nicole Wootton-CaneDespite mounting pressure on Prince Andrew to leave Royal Lodge, he cannot be forced out due to his existing lease agreement.
Andrew and his family have a 75-year lease of the 30-bedroom Royal Lodge in Windsor, allowing them to live in the property until 2078.
He paid £1m for the lease, and beyond that, rent was set at a “peppercorn” if demanded.
The agreement also contains a clause which states the crown estate would have to pay Andrew around £558,000 if he gave up the lease.
However, speaking to The Sun, a source close to Andrew said he is “willing to leave” if his demands are met.
“He is realistic and knows the writing is on the wall and that his time at Royal Lodge is up,” they said.
Ferguson denies making demands, reports say
12:35 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSarah Ferguson, Prince Andrew’s ex-wife, has reportedly denied the pair have made any demands to move into Frogmore Cottage and Adelaide Cottage.
A source told The Times she said the arrangement is one of the options suggested by Buckingham Palace in the past.
The Independent has contacted Buckingham Palace for comment.
Will it be Frogmore Cottage? Where Prince Andrew could move to if he leaves Royal Lodge
12:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAs scrutiny over Prince Andrew’s living situation mounts, talks are reportedly underway over where the King’s brother could move if he is ousted from Royal Lodge.
You can read about all the possibilities below...
Frogmore Cottage? Where Prince Andrew could move to if he leaves Royal Lodge
Who has lived in Frogmore Cottage in the past?
12:00 , Nicole Wootton-CanePrince Andrew has reportedly demanded to move into Frogmore Cottage if he is forced to leave Royal Lodge.
The property was first used by Queen Charlotte and her unwed daughters as a retreat. Later, American theologian Henry James Sr and his family leased the property in the mid-1840s.
In 1897, Queen Victoria’s personal secretary Abdul Karim moved into the house with his wife and father.
It also became a refuge for Grand Duchess Xenia Alexandrovna, who stayed there in the 1920s while under exile from Russia after the Russian Revolution.
Frogmore Cottage was divided into five separate housing units in the early 21st century and was occupied by Windsor estate workers.
In 2019, Harry and Meghan renovated it prior to the birth of their first child, Archie. But since they stepped down as senior members of the royal family in 2020 and moved to Montecito, the house has been largely unoccupied.
However, it was reported that Harry’s cousin, Princess Eugenie, and her husband Jack Brooksbank moved into the property in 2021 after they had their first child.
This appeared to be a temporary arrangement, as reports said they moved out only a few weeks later.
Watch: Ed Davey calls for inquiry over Prince Andrew Royal Lodge revelations at PMQs
11:35 , Nicole Wootton-CaneCould Prince Andrew ever be prosecuted over his links to Jeffrey Epstein?
11:01 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Metropolitan Police are facing calls to investigate Prince Andrew after the force repeatedly declined to open a full inquiry into claims that he slept with Guiffre in London when she was 17.
The Independent’s Amy-Clare Martin has reviewed what criminal allegations, if any, Andrew could face in Britain and the US.
Could Prince Andrew ever be prosecuted over his links to Jeffrey Epstein?
Comment: Prince Andrew is a symptom of a bigger problem with the royal family
10:45 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Prince Andrew is symptom of a bigger problem with the royal family
Spending watchdog could scrutinise Prince Andrew's finances, reports say
10:24 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSpending watchdog the National Audit Office has offered to help examine Prince Andrew’s financial arrangements that allowed him to live in Royal Lodge rent free, reports The Telegraph.
Kemi Badenoch, the Tory leader, has previously called for a review of the NAO’s report on the deal from 2005, which granted him the 30-room mansion for a “peppercorn rent”.
Asked if it would consider reviewing its 2005 report into the Royal Lodge deal, the NAO told The Telegraph: “The Comptroller & Auditor General is in discussion with the Public Accounts Committee on this matter and will provide support as required.”
How could MPs bring debate about Prince Andrew?
10:03 , Nicole Wootton-CaneMPs could debate stripping Prince Andrew of his title and his rent-free living arrangements in the Commons.
The Government has so far refused to allocate time in the House of Commons for MPs to discuss Andrew’s situation because the royal family wants Parliament to focus on “important issues”.
But the issue could be raised on one of the days when ministers are not in control of the parliamentary timetable, according to political editor David Maddox.
A Liberal Democrat source indicated to the Sunday Times that the party could be prepared to use one of its opposition days to allow MPs to discuss Andrew’s behaviour.
Watch: Most sensational claims against Prince Andrew from Virginia Guiffre's memoir Nobody's Girl
09:32 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAdelaide Cottage: Inside the home Andrew has 'demanded' for Sarah Ferguson
09:05 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAdelaide Cottage sits in Windsor’s Home Park, the private 655-acre royal park administered by the Crown Estate.
It is currently occupied by the Prince and Princess of Wales and their family, who are set to move to Forest Lodge before Christmas, leaving the cottage open to a new resident.
Adelaide Cottage has four bedrooms and was built in the 1831 as a cottage orne, or decorated cottage, for Queen Adelaide, the wife of William IV, to be used as a summer retreat.
According to Historic England, the public body which cares for England’s historic buildings and places, Adelaide Cottage is a “picturesque” two-storey stucco-faced dwelling with casement windows, and elaborate pierced bargeboards edging the roof.
The principal bedroom has a coved ceiling decorated with gilded dolphins and rope ornament reused from the 19th century royal yacht Royal George, and a good marble Graeco-Egyptian fireplace.
It was once home to Princess Margaret’s lover Peter Townsend, who lived in the grace and favour property in the 1940s with his first wife Rosemary to be on hand for the king in his role as equerry.
Who owns Frogmore Cottage?
08:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneFrogmore Cottage is ultimately owned by the Crown Estate, but is used as a private royal residence and is not open to the public. Ownership of Frogmore Cottage is passed from monarch to monarch.
In 2019, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved into the property and used it as their official home base while in the UK. It was gifted to them by the late Queen Elizabeth after they married in 2018.
Harry and Meghan carried out renovations on the cottage using £2.4 million of taxpayer’s money, but have since paid it back in full by making a contribution to the Sovereign Grant.
The payment “fully covered the necessary renovation costs of Frogmore Cottage”, which remains “the UK residence of the duke and his family”, Harry’s spokesperson said in 2020.
The couple last spent time at the cottage in 2022, when they came to the UK to attend the late Queen’s platinum jubilee celebrations. They also hosted their daughter Lilibet’s first birthday there.
Sources speak of growing sense of inevitability Andrew will move out
08:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSources have spoken of a growing sense of inevitability Andrew will leave Royal Lodge, despite his initial desire to stay.
They told The Sun he has agreed to move provided he can live in Frogmore Cottage, with ex-wife Sarah Ferguson nearby at Adelaide Cottage.
They explained: “Frogmore Cottage is too small for both and Adelaide Cottage is around the corner, so they will see each other whenever they want.
“Both have space for their daughters Eugenie and Beatrice and their families to visit”.
Prince Andrew could face Commons scrutiny over title and peppercorn-rent mansion
08:08 , Nicole Wootton-CanePrince Andrew could face scrutiny in the Commons over his title and rent-free arrangement.
The Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports that MPs could debate Prince Andrew’s conduct, his 30-room mansion and the possibility of stripping him of his dukedom.
You can read his full report below...
Prince Andrew could face Commons scrutiny over title and peppercorn-rent mansion
