🔗 Share this article

During a public appearance to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, King Charles was heckled by a individual who asked him about Prince Andrew's connections with convicted sex offender Epstein.

The man asked how long the monarch had been known about his brother's relationship with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had instructed the police to "cover up" for Prince Andrew.

Despite the protest, there were crowds of fans and cheers for the King, who was in Staffordshire for an event.

The Duke of York's links with Jeffrey Epstein have been under renewed focus in recent weeks. The royal, who relinquished his titles earlier this month, has categorically denied any misconduct.

"For how long have you been aware about Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Did you request the police to conceal for Andrew?"

The monarch ignored the questions but carried on greeting supporters, some of whom shouted "Long live the King". One supporter can be overheard requesting him for a hug.

Another woman outside the venue was also observed telling the protester to "go away" and to "shut up".

Scandal Revived by Memoir

The scandal over the Duke of York's connections to Epstein has been reignited by sexual abuse claims repeated in Virginia Giuffre's recently released book.

In the memoir, Ms Giuffre alleges she had sexual encounters with the prince on three separate occasions, including once with Jeffrey Epstein and "several other minors"

Andrew, who agreed to a out-of-court agreement with the plaintiff in 2022, has consistently denied any misconduct. In 2019, he told a news program he did not remember meeting her "at all", and that they "never had any sort of intimate relations."

Fresh Questions Over Finances and Living Arrangements

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

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

The Liberal Democrats said he should be called in front of members of parliament to give testimony about his rental agreement of his residence.

But last week, the government declined to give MPs time to debate the prince's status or his residence, despite increasing calls for scrutiny.

The royal household has not issued a statement on whether the Duke of York might move out of his current residence - or where he might go.

Associated Issues

• The Duke of York
• UK Royal Family
• The Monarch