🔗 Share this article

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

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

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

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

"How long have you been aware about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Did you request the authorities to cover up for him?"

The monarch remained silent but continued meeting fans, some of whom shouted "God Save The King". One fan can be heard asking him for a hug.

A female bystander outside the venue was also observed telling the heckler to "go away" and to "shut up".

Scandal Reignited by Posthumous Publication

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

In the memoir, Ms Giuffre alleges she had sexual encounters with the royal on multiple times, including once with Epstein and "several other minors"

Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told a news program he did not recall meeting her "ever", and that they "did not have any sort of sexual contact."

New Inquiries Over Lifestyle and Living Arrangements

But recently, fresh questions have been asked about how he is able to fund his way of life 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 intensified the examination over his housing situation - even though he made large payments initially, including for improvements.

The political party 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 discuss 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 go.

Related Topics

• Prince Andrew
• UK Royal Family
• The Monarch