British Royals Gather in Force After 'Epstein Allegations'... Protests Ask "What Did You Know?"

For the first time since allegations emerged regarding Prince Andrew's involvement with Epstein, senior members of the British royal family have gathered together.

King Charles III of the United Kingdom. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

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According to Yonhap News, citing the BBC on March 9 (local time), "Key members of the British royal family, including King Charles III, attended a Commonwealth-related service held at Westminster Abbey in London." Those present reportedly included King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales William and Catherine, Princess Anne and her husband, and Prince Richard, a cousin of Charles III, and his wife.

This marks the largest public gathering of senior British royals since last month, when Charles III's brother, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, was detained by UK police in connection with documents related to the American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Once known as "Prince Andrew" and a prominent figure in global high society, he was ousted from the royal family after his inappropriate relationship with Epstein was exposed.

On the day of the service, a protest led by a republican group advocating for the abolition of the monarchy took place across from Westminster Abbey. Protesters held large signs and banners reading "What did you know?" and "Charles, what are you hiding?" in relation to the Epstein scandal. They have raised suspicions that Charles III attempted to protect his brother Andrew. However, the royal family has maintained that "it is Andrew himself who must answer to these allegations."

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, brother of Charles III, suspected of being involved in the Epstein case. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

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Meanwhile, the service was attended by 1,800 guests, including representatives from all 56 Commonwealth nations. In a statement released before the service, King Charles III said, "In an increasingly divided world, the voluntary unity of this free association (the Commonwealth) remains precious," adding, "Our Commonwealth nations have the potential for prosperous exchange among trusted partners."

Although these remarks were intended to reinforce Commonwealth solidarity, many assess that the British royal family remains mired in crisis. On March 7, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated, "Andrew should be removed from the line of succession." Last month, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also reportedly sent a letter to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressing support for Andrew's removal from the line of succession.

Additionally, with the war in Iran ongoing, controversy has arisen over King Charles III's planned state visit to the United States next month. Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, the third-largest party in Parliament, argued, "If Charles III visits the US while America continues its airstrikes on Iran, it would be an enormous diplomatic coup for President Trump," insisting that the visit should be canceled. In response, the UK Prime Minister's Office said, "We have not yet officially announced King Charles III's visit to the US," and declined to comment on calls to cancel the trip.

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