The Monarch Faces Protest Over Prince Andrew's Epstein Connections
During a public appearance to a cathedral in Staffordshire on Monday, the King was heckled by a individual who asked him about Prince Andrew's relationship with convicted sex offender Epstein.
The man demanded to know how long the King had been aware about his sibling's association with Epstein, and also questioned whether he had asked the authorities to "hide" for Prince Andrew.
Despite the heckling, there were crowds of well-wishers and cheers for the monarch, who was visiting Staffordshire for an engagement.
The Duke of York's links with Jeffrey Epstein have been under renewed focus in the past few weeks. The royal, who gave up his titles earlier this month, has strongly denied any wrongdoing.
"How long have you known about Andrew and Epstein? Have you asked the authorities to conceal for Andrew?"
The King did not respond but carried on meeting fans, some of whom shouted "Long live the King". One fan can be overheard requesting him for a embrace.
A female bystander outside the venue was also heard telling the protester to "leave" and to "be quiet".
Scandal Revived by Memoir
The controversy over the Duke of York's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been revived by sexual abuse claims repeated in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published memoir.
In the memoir, the accuser alleges she had sexual encounters with the prince on multiple times, including once with Jeffrey Epstein and "eight other young girls"
Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with the plaintiff in 2022, has consistently denied any misconduct. In a previous interview, 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 Lifestyle and Living Arrangements
But recently, new inquiries have been asked about how he is able to fund his way of life despite not being a working royal.
The disclosure that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Royal Lodge has heightened the examination over his living arrangements - even though he made large payments up front, including for renovations.
The political party said he should be summoned front of members of parliament to give testimony about his lease of his lodge.
But last Thursday, the government refused to give MPs time to debate the prince's status or his residence, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.
The royal household has not commented on whether the Duke of York might relocate of his current residence - or where he might reside.
Related Topics
- The Duke of York
- British Monarchy
- King Charles III