The Monarch Encounters Heckling Concerning His Brother's Jeffrey Epstein Links

In the course of a public appearance to a cathedral in Staffordshire on Monday, the King was shouted at by a protester who asked him about Prince Andrew's relationship with disgraced financier Epstein.

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

Despite the heckling, there were large groups of well-wishers and applause for the King, who was visiting the region for an event.

Prince Andrew's links with Epstein have been under close examination in the past few weeks. The royal, who relinquished his titles earlier this month, has categorically denied any misconduct.

"For how long have you known about Andrew and Epstein? Have you asked the police to cover up for Andrew?"

The King did not respond but carried on greeting supporters, some of whom shouted "Long live the King". One supporter can be heard requesting him for a hug.

Another woman outside the cathedral was also observed telling the heckler to "leave" and to "shut up".

Controversy Reignited by Posthumous Publication

The scandal over the Duke of York's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been reignited by sexual abuse claims repeated in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published book.

In the publication, Ms Giuffre alleges she had sexual encounters with the royal 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 recent years, has repeatedly denied any misconduct. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting Ms Giuffre "ever", and that they "did not have any sort of sexual contact."

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 working royal.

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 significant contributions initially, including for renovations.

The political party said he should be summoned before members of parliament to give testimony about his rental agreement of his lodge.

But last Thursday, the government declined to give parliamentarians time to debate the prince's status or his home, despite increasing calls for investigation.

The royal household has not issued a statement on whether Prince Andrew might move out of his current residence - or where he might reside.

Related Topics

• Prince Andrew
• British Monarchy
• King Charles III