The Monarch Faces Protest Over Prince Andrew's Jeffrey Epstein Connections

In the course of a public appearance to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, the King was shouted at by a protester who asked him about Prince Andrew's relationship with disgraced financier Epstein.

The individual demanded to know how long the King had been aware about his brother's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had instructed the authorities to "conceal" for Prince Andrew.

Amid the heckling, there were large groups of supporters and cheers for the monarch, who was visiting Staffordshire for an event.

The Duke of York's links with Epstein have been under close examination in recent weeks. The royal, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has strongly denied any wrongdoing.

"For how long have you been aware about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Have you asked the police to conceal for Andrew?"

The monarch did not respond but continued greeting fans, some of whom shouted "God Save The King". One supporter can be overheard asking him for a hug.

Another woman outside the venue was also observed telling the protester to "leave" and to "be quiet".

Controversy Revived by Posthumous Publication

The scandal over the Duke of York's links to Epstein has been reignited by sexual abuse allegations detailed in Virginia Giuffre's recently released memoir.

In the publication, Ms Giuffre says she had sexual encounters with the royal on three separate occasions, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Prince Andrew, who reached a financial settlement with the plaintiff in 2022, has consistently denied any misconduct. 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 About Lifestyle and Housing

But in recent times, new inquiries have been raised about how he is able to fund his way of life 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 intensified the scrutiny over his living arrangements - even though he made large payments initially, including for renovations.

The political party said he should be called in front of MPs to give testimony about his lease of his lodge.

But last week, the authorities declined to give parliamentarians time to debate the prince's titles or his residence, despite growing pressure for investigation.

The royal household has not commented on whether Prince Andrew might move out of his current residence - or where he might go.

Related Topics

• Prince Andrew
• UK Royal Family
• King Charles III