In a striking visual demonstration, activists from the campaign group Republic have staged a protest at Buckingham Palace, draping vivid yellow crime scene tape across the iconic gates. The event took place on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, and was directly prompted by the latest release of files from the US investigation into the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Protest Targets Royal Secrecy Over Epstein Links
The demonstrators, advocating for the abolition of the monarchy, displayed a prominent banner bearing the pointed question: "Charles, what are you hiding?" This action underscores the renewed public and media scrutiny surrounding Prince Andrew's, formally known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, past association with Epstein. The protest aimed to symbolically link the royal residence to the ongoing controversy and allegations.
Calls for Transparency from the Palace
Graham Smith, the Chief Executive Officer of Republic, was vocal in his demands following the protest. He called for "full disclosure from the royals" regarding their connections to Epstein, arguing that the seriousness of the allegations makes continued secrecy untenable. "The stakes are simply too high for the Palace to remain silent," Smith asserted, framing the issue as one of public accountability.
It is crucial to note that inclusion in the publicly released Epstein files does not, in itself, constitute evidence of wrongdoing. Prince Andrew has consistently and vehemently denied any misconduct related to his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. A 2022 settlement in a US civil case saw the Duke of York make a substantial payment to his accuser without admission of liability.
Symbolic Act Fuels Broader Debate
The use of crime scene tape at the gates of the UK's most famous royal residence is a highly charged symbolic act. It represents an effort by anti-monarchy campaigners to keep the Epstein controversy in the public eye and to pressure the institution for greater transparency. The protest occurs within a broader context of questioning the monarchy's modern role and its mechanisms for public accountability.
While Buckingham Palace has not issued a specific statement regarding Wednesday's protest, it maintains its previous position that Prince Andrew is no longer a working royal and that his legal matters have been resolved. The visual of crime scene tape at the Palace, however, ensures that questions about royal connections to one of the most notorious criminal cases of recent decades remain firmly on the national agenda.
