🔗 Share this article

In the course of a engagement to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday, the King was confronted by a man who asked him about Prince Andrew's links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The protester demanded to know how long the monarch had been aware about his brother's association with Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the authorities to "hide" for Prince Andrew.

Despite the heckling, there were throngs of well-wishers and applause for the monarch, who was in Staffordshire for an event.

Prince Andrew's links with Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in the past few weeks. The prince, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has strongly denied any misconduct.

"How long have you been aware about Prince Andrew and Epstein? Have you asked the authorities to conceal for Andrew?"

The King remained silent but carried on greeting supporters, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One supporter can be heard asking him for a embrace.

A female bystander outside the cathedral was also observed telling the heckler to "leave" and to "shut up".

Scandal Revived by Memoir

The controversy over the Duke of York's connections to Jeffrey Epstein has been reignited by sexual abuse claims repeated in Ms. Giuffre's posthumously-published book.

In the publication, the accuser claims she had sexual encounters with the royal on multiple times, including once with Jeffrey Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Andrew, who reached a financial settlement with the plaintiff in 2022, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not recall meeting her "ever", and that they "never had any sort of intimate relations."

Fresh Questions Over Finances and Living Arrangements

But recently, new inquiries have been raised about how he is able to finance his lifestyle despite not being a active member of the royal family.

The disclosure that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Royal Lodge has heightened the scrutiny over his housing situation - even though he made large payments up front, including for renovations.

The political party said he should be summoned front of MPs to give evidence about his rental agreement of his lodge.

But last Thursday, the authorities refused to give parliamentarians time to discuss the royal's status or his home, despite increasing calls for investigation.

Buckingham Palace has not commented on whether Prince Andrew might relocate of his home - or where he might go.

Related Topics

• Prince Andrew
• British Monarchy
• The Monarch