Republican group unfurls Andrew-Epstein banner in Buckingham Palace
Activists from the anti-monarchy group Republic unfurled a banner at Buckingham Palace on Saturday highlighting Prince Andrew's past association with Jeffrey Epstein. The demonstration aimed to bring public scrutiny directly to the royal household regarding the Duke of York's controversial history.
A group of protesters representing the organization Republic gathered at Buckingham Palace to display a large banner referencing Prince Andrew's links to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The banner was positioned in front of the palace gates to attract maximum visibility from tourists and passersby.
Graham Smith, the Chief Executive Officer of Republic, stated that the action was designed to take pressing questions concerning the Duke of York to the symbolic heart of the British monarchy. The group has long campaigned for the abolition of the Crown in favor of an elected head of state.
Metropolitan Police officers were present at the scene during the demonstration, though the protest was reported to be peaceful. Prince Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing regarding his friendship with Epstein, despite his withdrawal from public royal duties in 2019 following a controversial interview.
“Republic activists have taken questions about Andrew to the heart of the royal household, the symbolic home of the monarchy,” said Republic CEO Graham Smith in a statement via Republic.
