🔗 Share this article

During a engagement to a cathedral in Staffordshire on the start of the week, the King was heckled by a protester who questioned him about Prince Andrew's links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The man demanded to know how long the monarch had been known about his brother's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the police to "conceal" for Prince Andrew.

Despite the protest, there were large groups of supporters and applause 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 recent weeks. The royal, who relinquished his titles earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

"How long have you known about Andrew and Epstein? Have you asked the police to cover up for him?"

The King did not respond but continued greeting fans, some of whom chanted "God Save The King". One supporter can be overheard asking him for a hug.

A female bystander outside the cathedral was also heard telling the heckler to "leave" and to "shut up".

Controversy Revived by Memoir

The controversy over the Duke of York's links to Epstein has been reignited by misconduct claims detailed in Ms. Giuffre's posthumously-published book.

In the publication, Ms Giuffre claims she had sexual encounters with the prince on three separate occasions, including once with Jeffrey Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Prince Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with the plaintiff in recent years, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not recall meeting her "at all", and that they "did not have any sort of intimate relations."

New Inquiries About Finances and Housing

But recently, fresh questions have been raised 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 nominal fee on his Royal Lodge has intensified the scrutiny over his living arrangements - even though he made significant contributions initially, including for improvements.

The political party said he should be summoned front of MPs to give evidence about his lease of his residence.

But last week, the authorities refused to give MPs time to discuss the prince's titles or his residence, despite growing pressure for investigation.

Buckingham Palace has not commented on whether the Duke of York might move out of his home - or where he might reside.

Related Topics

• The Duke of York
• British Monarchy
• King Charles III