The Monarch Confronts Protest Concerning His Brother's Epstein Connections

During a public appearance to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday, the King was heckled by a man who questioned him about Prince Andrew's relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

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

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

The Duke of York's connections with Epstein have been under close examination in the past few weeks. The royal, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has categorically denied any wrongdoing.

"How long have you known about Andrew and Epstein? Have you asked the authorities to conceal for him?"

The King did not respond but carried on meeting supporters, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One fan can be heard asking him for a hug.

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

Scandal Revived by Posthumous Publication

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

In the publication, Ms Giuffre says she had sexual encounters with the royal on multiple times, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "several other minors"

Prince Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with the plaintiff in recent years, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting her "ever", and that they "never had any sort of intimate relations."

Fresh Questions About Lifestyle and Living Arrangements

But in recent times, fresh questions 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 Windsor mansion has heightened the scrutiny over his living arrangements - even though he made significant contributions up front, including for improvements.

The Liberal Democrats said he should be called in before members of parliament to give testimony about his lease of his lodge.

But last Thursday, the authorities declined to give MPs time to discuss the prince's titles or his home, despite increasing calls for scrutiny.

The royal household has not commented on whether Prince Andrew might move out of his current residence - or where he might go.

Related Topics

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