King Charles III Faces Second Heckling Incident in One Week Over Prince Andrew Controversy
King Charles III encountered another disruptive public confrontation on Monday, February 9, during an official visit to Clitheroe in Lancashire. The monarch, aged 77, was engaged in a walkabout greeting well-wishers at the town's train station when a member of the crowd loudly questioned him about his brother, Prince Andrew, and the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Public Outcry and Immediate Reaction to the Heckler
Eyewitnesses reported that the majority of the assembled crowd, many of whom were waving Union flags, responded to the heckler with loud boos and shouts of "shut up." The King maintained his composure throughout the incident, continuing to greet members of the public without directly addressing the provocative remark. According to local accounts, another member of the public physically pulled the heckler away from the scene before he departed the area.
Video footage circulating on social media platforms captured the tense moments, with audible chants of "kick him out" followed by cheers as the disruption subsided. This incident marks the second such confrontation in less than a week, following a similar episode during the King's visit to Essex where another individual questioned whether Charles had pressured police regarding investigations into Prince Andrew.
Background of the Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein Association
The renewed public scrutiny comes amid fresh media reports revisiting Prince Andrew's past connections with Jeffrey Epstein, who was convicted in the United States for soliciting prostitution from a minor and died in custody in 2019. Prince Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to his association with Epstein. In 2022, following civil legal proceedings in the U.S., Andrew was stripped of his military titles and royal patronages and has since refrained from performing public royal duties.
Positive Reception and Local Support During the Lancashire Visit
Despite the brief disruption, the King's visit to Lancashire was largely met with enthusiastic support. He was formally greeted at Clitheroe station by the Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire before engaging with farmers, local business owners, and schoolchildren who cheered his arrival and waved flags. One resident, Christine Dilworth, aged 66, presented the King with daffodils and expressed strong support for the Royal Family.
"He's now our King and I think they do a fantastic job for the country, they work tirelessly and the revenue which they bring in," Dilworth stated. Regarding the heckling incident, she added, "I think people should put that behind them. The last thing I want is someone coming out with something they don't need to come out with and spoiling it for other people."
Official Response and Broader Implications
Buckingham Palace has declined to comment on the latest incident, maintaining its usual protocol of not addressing individual disruptions during royal engagements. The King's visit to Clitheroe represented his second official trip to Lancashire since ascending to the throne, highlighting his ongoing commitment to public engagements across the United Kingdom.
This series of heckling incidents underscores the persistent public and media interest in the Royal Family's connections to controversial figures, even as the monarchy continues its traditional duties and community engagements.
