King Charles III faced anti-monarchy protests linked to Prince Andrew’s scandal as he travelled to Westminster for the State Opening of Parliament on Wednesday.
Demonstrators from the campaign group Republic gathered along the royal procession route holding signs reading «Did you know?» — a reference to allegations surrounding Andrew’s relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Protesters demanded greater transparency from the royal family and called for a parliamentary inquiry into what senior royals knew about the scandal.
The protests come amid renewed scrutiny of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor following his arrest earlier this year on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to his ties with Epstein. Andrew denies wrongdoing, while King Charles has publicly stated that «the law must take its course.»
Republic’s chief executive Graham Smith accused the monarchy of secrecy and claimed the public deserves answers over Andrew’s conduct and the royal family’s response. The group has intensified its anti-monarchy campaign in recent months with demonstrations across London and Wales.
Despite the protests, the King proceeded with the traditional parliamentary ceremony alongside Queen Camilla, delivering the government’s legislative agenda in the House of Lords.
