The Monarch Faces Heckling Over Prince Andrew's Jeffrey Epstein Links
During a public appearance to a cathedral in Staffordshire on the start of the week, the King was confronted by a individual who questioned him about Prince Andrew's connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The man demanded to know how long the monarch had been known about his brother's relationship with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had instructed the police to "cover up" for Prince Andrew.
Amid the heckling, there were large groups of fans and cheers for the King, who was in the region for an ceremony.
The Duke of York's connections with Jeffrey Epstein have been under renewed focus in the past few weeks. The prince, who gave up his titles earlier this month, has strongly denied any misconduct.
"For how long have you been aware about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Did you request the police to conceal for Andrew?"
The King did not respond but continued greeting fans, some of whom shouted "God Save The King". One fan can be heard asking him for a embrace.
A female bystander outside the cathedral was also observed telling the protester to "leave" and to "be quiet".
Scandal Reignited by Memoir
The scandal over Prince Andrew's connections to Jeffrey Epstein has been revived by misconduct claims repeated in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published book.
In the publication, Ms Giuffre says she had sexual encounters with the royal on three separate occasions, including once with Epstein and "several other minors"
Andrew, who agreed to a out-of-court agreement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has consistently denied any misconduct. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting her "ever", and that they "did not have any sort of intimate relations."
Fresh Questions About Finances and Housing
But in recent times, fresh questions have been raised about how he is able to finance 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 intensified the examination over his housing situation - even though he made significant contributions initially, including for renovations.
The Liberal Democrats said he should be summoned before MPs to give testimony about his lease of his residence.
But last Thursday, the government declined to give MPs time to debate the royal's titles or his residence, despite increasing calls for investigation.
Buckingham Palace has not issued a statement on whether the Duke of York might relocate of his home - or where he might reside.
Associated Issues
- Prince Andrew
- British Monarchy
- King Charles III