Protests targeting the British royal family have been increasingly visible at significant events throughout the year, with the recent Trooping the Colour ceremony at Buckingham Palace featuring demonstrators advocating for the abolition of the monarchy. This ongoing unrest highlights public concerns regarding the royal family, particularly in light of former Prince Andrew’s controversial associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
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During the Trooping the Colour celebrations on 13 June, protesters assembled outside the palace, brandishing flags emblazoned with the slogan “Down with the Crown.” Some demonstrators displayed placards featuring images of Prince Andrew directly linked to the Epstein scandal. This event is just one of several occasions where anti-monarchy sentiment has emerged, reflecting the public’s desire for accountability regarding the royal family’s past actions.
Prince Andrew’s troubling history came back into the spotlight when he was arrested earlier this year, on 19 February, under suspicions of misconduct in public office. This latest development is reportedly tied to allegations that he may have improperly shared confidential information with Epstein during his time as a representative of the British government. His relationship with Epstein has repeatedly prompted scrutiny, particularly following the release of extensive documentation by the U.S. Department of Justice in October 2025, which included further references to Andrew’s conduct.
The former Duke of York’s royal titles were stripped away by King Charles in October 2025, amid escalating backlash surrounding his connections to Epstein. Andrew had already lost his military titles and patronages in 2022 following allegations of sexual misconduct by Virginia Giuffre, an Epstein victim. After a brief court battle, he settled the matter with Giuffre out of court, although it has continued to cloud his public image.
The response from the monarchy has been relatively muted, with King Charles issuing a statement expressing sorrow over the developments surrounding Andrew. In light of the recent protests, Charles reiterated that “the law must take its course,” signalling a desire for the family to distance itself from any wrongdoing associated with the former prince. Nevertheless, ongoing protests suggest that public sentiment remains far from supportive.
Previous protests have similarly surfaced at royal events, as evidenced during the Commonwealth Day service on 11 March, where demonstrators confronted members of the royal family as they arrived at Westminster Abbey. The atmosphere was notably tense, with members of the anti-monarchy group Republic brandishing signs demanding answers regarding the royal family’s knowledge of Andrew’s actions. Reports noted Princess Anne advising her husband to ignore the protesters, painting a picture of the royal family’s discomfort with the backlash.
The recent Trooping the Colour event marked the first occasion where Andrew was notably absent since taking part in 2019, a decision seemingly motivated by the pervasive controversies. Both he and his former wife, Sarah Ferguson, have kept a low profile since the fallout, with Andrew relocating to a more secluded residence on the Sandringham estate and Ferguson being spotted in the Austrian Alps.
The absence of their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, from the Trooping the Colour celebrations further indicates their desire to step away from the surrounding turmoil. A source revealed that the sisters are prioritising their young families and focusing on shielding their children from the ongoing controversies linked to their parents.
As the royal family grapples with increasing public discontent, events such as the Trooping the Colour risk becoming flashpoints for dissent. The unfolding situation surrounding Prince Andrew exemplifies the scrutiny that the monarchy faces amid calls for reform and accountability. As debates about the future of the royal institution continue to grow, the current protests reflect a significant moment in public opinion regarding the monarchy’s role within modern British society.