The Monarch Faces Heckling Concerning Prince Andrew's Jeffrey Epstein Connections
During a visit to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday, the King was confronted by a man who asked him about Prince Andrew's connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The individual demanded to know how long the King had been known about his sibling's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had asked the authorities to "conceal" for Andrew.
Despite the protest, there were throngs of supporters and cheers for the monarch, who was in Staffordshire for an event.
The Duke of York's links with Epstein have been under close examination in the past few weeks. The prince, who relinquished his royal duties earlier this month, has categorically denied any wrongdoing.
"How long have you been aware about Prince Andrew and Epstein? Did you request the authorities to conceal for Andrew?"
The King remained silent but carried on greeting fans, some of whom chanted "God Save The King". One supporter can be heard requesting him for a embrace.
Another woman outside the cathedral was also heard telling the protester to "leave" and to "be quiet".
Controversy Reignited by Memoir
The controversy over Prince Andrew's links to Epstein has been brought back into focus by misconduct allegations repeated in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published book.
In the memoir, the accuser alleges she had sexual encounters with the prince on multiple times, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "eight other young girls"
Prince Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with the plaintiff in recent years, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not recall meeting her "ever", and that they "did not have any sort of intimate relations."
Fresh Questions About Finances and Living Arrangements
But in recent times, 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 examination over his housing situation - even though he made large payments initially, including for improvements.
The Liberal Democrats said he should be called in before members of parliament to give evidence about his rental agreement of his residence.
But last Thursday, the government refused to give MPs time to debate the prince's titles or his home, despite increasing calls for investigation.
The royal household has not issued a statement on whether the Duke of York might move out of his home - or where he might reside.
Related Topics
- Prince Andrew
- British Monarchy
- King Charles III