Republic activists stage protest inside Buckingham Palace

Activists from the anti-monarchy group Republic staged a protest inside Buckingham Palace on Monday, July 13, 2026, unfurling a large banner in the Throne Room featuring the former Duke of York, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The banner bore the words "What did you know?" The demonstrators reportedly purchased standard public tickets for a tour of the State Rooms before breaking away to carry out the action.

The protest was designed to demand answers from King Charles III and Prince William regarding their knowledge of the long-running allegations against Andrew concerning his association with Epstein. Graham Smith, Republic's chief executive, stated that activists had taken their questions to the symbolic heart of the monarchy. He argued it was not believable that the King and Prince of Wales had not been briefed years ago by security services and government officials about the allegations, citing concerns over national security and blackmail risks. Smith called for full disclosure from the palace and endorsed Green MP Sian Berry's planned efforts in Parliament this week to reform freedom of information rules to end royal...