King Charles Encounters Protest Over Prince Andrew's Epstein Connections

In the course of a visit to a cathedral in Staffordshire on the start of the week, the King was heckled by a man who asked him about Prince Andrew's relationship with convicted sex offender Epstein.

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

Amid the heckling, there were throngs of well-wishers and cheers for the monarch, who was visiting Staffordshire for an ceremony.

The Duke of York's connections with Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks. The prince, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any misconduct.

"How long have you known about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Have you asked the police to cover up for Andrew?"

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

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

Controversy Reignited by Posthumous Publication

The scandal over the Duke of York's connections to Jeffrey Epstein has been reignited by misconduct claims detailed in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published book.

In the publication, Ms Giuffre claims she had sex with the royal on three separate occasions, including once with Jeffrey Epstein and "several other minors"

Prince Andrew, who reached a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has consistently denied any misconduct. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting her "ever", and that they "never had any sort of intimate relations."

New Inquiries About Lifestyle and Housing

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 revelation that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Royal Lodge has heightened the scrutiny over his living arrangements - even though he made significant contributions up front, including for renovations.

The Liberal Democrats said he should be summoned front of MPs to give testimony about his lease of his lodge.

But last Thursday, the authorities refused to give parliamentarians time to discuss the prince's status or his residence, despite increasing calls for investigation.

The royal household has not issued a statement on whether Prince Andrew might relocate of his home - or where he might go.

Related Topics

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