The Monarch Faces Protest Over Prince Andrew's Jeffrey Epstein Connections
During a public appearance to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, the King was confronted by a individual who questioned him about his brother's relationship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The protester demanded to know how long the monarch had been aware about his sibling's association with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had asked the police to "hide" for Prince Andrew.
Amid the heckling, there were crowds of well-wishers and cheers for the King, who was visiting Staffordshire for an ceremony.
The Duke of York's links with Jeffrey Epstein have been under close examination in recent weeks. The royal, who relinquished his titles earlier this month, has strongly denied any wrongdoing.
"How long have you been aware about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Have you asked the authorities to conceal for him?"
The monarch ignored the questions but continued meeting fans, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One fan can be heard requesting him for a hug.
A female bystander outside the cathedral was also observed telling the heckler to "go away" and to "be quiet".
Scandal Revived by Posthumous Publication
The controversy over the Duke of York's links to Epstein has been reignited by misconduct allegations repeated in Virginia Giuffre's recently released memoir.
In the publication, the accuser claims she had sex with the prince on multiple times, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "eight other young girls"
Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting Ms Giuffre "ever", and that they "did not have any sort of intimate relations."
Fresh Questions About Lifestyle and Housing
But recently, 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 token annual rent on his Royal Lodge has intensified the examination over his living arrangements - even though he made significant contributions initially, including for improvements.
The Liberal Democrats said he should be summoned before members of parliament to give evidence about his rental agreement of his lodge.
But last week, the government declined to give parliamentarians time to discuss the royal's titles or his home, despite increasing calls for scrutiny.
Buckingham Palace has not issued a statement on whether the Duke of York might move out of his home - or where he might go.
Related Topics
- Prince Andrew
- UK Royal Family
- The Monarch