Protesters heckle Kate, William and King Charles at service
Princess Kate, Prince William and King Charles faced heckling from protesters as they arrived for the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey in London on 9 March, in what was described as the royal family’s largest public gathering since the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Members of the family attended the annual ceremony alongside senior political figures and invited guests.
Outside the Abbey, protesters from anti-monarchy group Republic held bright yellow placards referencing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and his links to the late Jeffrey Epstein, and People reported that one sign read “What did you know?” in an apparent challenge to the royal household over the unfolding scandal.
The publication quoted royal author Mr Robert Jobson, who said the key issue would be “who knew what, when they knew it and why nothing was done”, amid wider questions about accountability. A palace insider also told the outlet that an arrest “from within” the royal family was “very different” from other crises, describing the situation as “much more serious”.
The protest came amid continuing scrutiny of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s position and the impact on the monarchy, with Britpop News recently reporting that King Charles appeared ‘less assured’ as protesters targeted the royal family during public appearances following the arrest.
According to the report, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on 19 February on suspicion of misconduct in public office and later released under investigation. Police and prosecutors are continuing inquiries, while the royal family has sought to project continuity through its public schedule, including the Commonwealth Day service.
