The Monarch Faces Heckling Over His Brother's Epstein Links
During a engagement to a cathedral in Staffordshire on the start of the week, the King was confronted by a man who questioned him about Prince Andrew's connections with convicted sex offender Epstein.
The man asked how long the King had been known about his brother's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the police to "conceal" for Prince Andrew.
Despite the heckling, there were large groups of supporters and applause for the monarch, who was visiting the region for an ceremony.
The Duke of York's associations with Jeffrey Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in the past few weeks. The royal, who relinquished his titles earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
"How long have you been aware about Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Have you asked the authorities to cover up for him?"
The monarch ignored the questions but continued meeting fans, some of whom shouted "God Save The King". One supporter can be overheard asking him for a hug.
Another woman outside the cathedral was also heard telling the heckler to "leave" and to "be quiet".
Controversy Reignited by Posthumous Publication
The scandal over the Duke of York's connections to Jeffrey Epstein has been brought back into focus by misconduct allegations repeated in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published memoir.
In the publication, the accuser says she had sex with the royal on multiple times, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "several other minors"
Andrew, who agreed to a out-of-court agreement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not recall meeting Ms Giuffre "ever", and that they "did not have any sort of intimate relations."
New Inquiries About Lifestyle and Housing
But recently, new inquiries have been asked about how he is able to finance his way of life despite not being a active member of the royal family.
The disclosure that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Royal Lodge has heightened the examination over his living arrangements - even though he made large payments 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 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 Prince Andrew might relocate of his current residence - or where he might go.
Related Topics
- Prince Andrew
- British Monarchy
- The Monarch