What was supposed to be one of the British royal family's biggest photo-op moments of the year turned into an awkward public reminder that the Prince Andrew scandal isn't going away anytime soon.
According to People, during Trooping the Colour, the military parade celebrating King Charles III's official birthday, Kate Middleton and her three children found themselves face-to-face with anti-monarchy protesters who loudly booed as their carriage rolled through London.
Video from the event shows Middleton noticing the demonstrators as members of the group Republic shouted from the crowd. Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis also appeared to hear the heckling as it unfolded. Despite the disruption, Middleton kept smiling, waved to spectators, and continued through the procession without responding.
But the protesters weren't there just to criticize the monarchy in general. This time, they came armed with a very specific message: Prince Andrew.
Members of Republic lined portions of the parade route carrying signs reading "Not My King" and "Down With The Crown." Some also displayed images tied to the Jeffrey Epstein files, putting Andrew's years-long controversy front and center during one of the monarchy's most visible public events.
In a statement, the group said the demonstration was meant to force attention onto the ongoing Andrew scandal and demand answers from both King Charles and Prince William.
The timing wasn't accidental.
Just months ago, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor — formerly known as Prince Andrew — was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Investigators are examining allegations that he shared confidential government information with Jeffrey Epstein while serving as Britain's trade envoy. Authorities later announced they would also assess claims involving alleged sexual misconduct.
The arrest marked a stunning escalation in a saga that has followed Andrew for years. His friendship with Epstein had already cost him his royal duties, military affiliations, and public standing. Then, in late 2025, King Charles stripped his younger brother of his remaining titles and honors, effectively ending Andrew's status as a senior royal figure.
Following the arrest, Charles released a statement clarifying that Buckingham Palace would cooperate with the authorities.
"I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office," the King said. "The law must take its course."
Just a few years ago, royal commentators openly suggested William and Middleton would rather have Andrew living nearby than Prince Harry and Meghan Markle amid the family's ongoing feud with the Sussexes.
Now, Andrew has become the issue the royal family can't escape.
