(NewsNation) — King Charles and other members of the royal family were met by protesters during their largest public outing since former Prince Andrew’s arrest.
Charles, Prince William and Kate Middleton attended the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey in London on Monday, where they were heckled by members of Republic, the anti-monarchy group, according to People Magazine.
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Protesters held bright yellow protesters that spelled out, “What did you know?” in what may have been a reference to Andrew’s connection to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Republic members also had signs with anti-monarchy messages and other references to the former Duke of York.
Andrew arrested for sending reports to Jeffrey Epstein
Andrew, who’s been mentioned in the Epstein Files and has been accused of sexual abuse, was arrested on Feb. 19 for allegedly sending trade reports to Epstein in 2010, years after he claimed they’d severed all ties.
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 9: King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales attend the 2026 Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey on March 9, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Arthur Edwards – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
FILE – Prince Andrew leaves St. Giles Cathedral after the arrival of the coffin containing the remains of his mother Queen Elizabeth, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Sept. 12, 2022. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek, File)
Kate, Princess of Wales and Prince William arrive for a ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle, England, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. (Jonathan Brady/Pool Photo via AP)
“Other events have rocked the monarchy, but something from within — where someone is being arrested — is very different. This is much more serious,” a Palace insider told People.
If Andrew is charged and convicted of misconduct in public office, the consequences could rock the royal family.
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Under U.K. law, misconduct in public office carries a potential life sentence.
“If it’s very serious, that is certainly a possibility,” royal biographer Andrew Lownie told NewsNation’s Paula Froelich. “Fifteen, 20 years in prison, I think this is all rather academic, but yes.”
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