🔗 Share this article

During a visit to a cathedral in Staffordshire on Monday, the King was heckled by a protester who asked him about Prince Andrew's connections with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The man demanded to know how long the King had been known about his sibling's association with Epstein, and also questioned whether he had asked the authorities to "conceal" for Prince Andrew.

Amid the protest, there were throngs of fans and cheers for the monarch, who was visiting the region for an event.

Prince Andrew's links with Jeffrey Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks. The royal, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any misconduct.

"For how long have you known about Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Have you asked the police to cover up for him?"

The King remained silent but continued meeting supporters, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One supporter can be overheard requesting him for a embrace.

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

Scandal Reignited by Posthumous Publication

The controversy over Prince Andrew's connections to Epstein has been reignited by sexual abuse allegations detailed in Ms. Giuffre's posthumously-published memoir.

In the memoir, the accuser alleges she had sexual encounters with the royal on three separate occasions, including one instance with Epstein and "several other minors"

Prince Andrew, who agreed to a out-of-court agreement with the plaintiff in 2022, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not recall meeting Ms Giuffre "ever", and that they "never had any sort of sexual contact."

Fresh Questions Over Finances and Housing

But recently, fresh questions have been asked about how he is able to fund his way of life despite not being a working royal.

The revelation that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Royal Lodge has intensified the scrutiny over his housing situation - even though he made significant contributions initially, including for improvements.

The Liberal Democrats said he should be called in before MPs to give testimony about his lease of his lodge.

But last week, the authorities refused to give MPs time to debate the royal's status or his residence, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.

Buckingham Palace has not issued a statement on whether the Duke of York might relocate of his home - or where he might reside.

Related Topics

• The Duke of York
• UK Royal Family
• King Charles III