🔗 Share this article

In the course of a public appearance to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday, King Charles was shouted at by a protester who questioned him about his brother's relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The individual inquired how long the monarch had been aware about his brother's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had asked the police to "conceal" for Andrew.

Amid the heckling, there were crowds of fans and applause for the King, who was visiting the region for an event.

Prince Andrew's connections with Jeffrey Epstein have been under renewed focus in recent weeks. The prince, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any misconduct.

"For how long have you been aware about Prince Andrew and Epstein? Did you request the police to cover up for him?"

The monarch remained silent but carried on greeting fans, some of whom shouted "God Save The King". One fan can be heard requesting him for a hug.

A female bystander outside the cathedral was also observed telling the protester to "go away" and to "shut up".

Controversy Revived by Posthumous Publication

The controversy over the Duke of York's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been brought back into focus by misconduct allegations repeated in Virginia Giuffre's recently released memoir.

In the memoir, Ms Giuffre alleges she had sex with the prince on multiple times, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Andrew, who reached a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has repeatedly denied any misconduct. In a previous interview, he told a news program he did not remember meeting Ms Giuffre "at all", and that they "never had 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 fund 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 intensified the scrutiny over his housing situation - even though he made large payments up front, including for improvements.

The Liberal Democrats said he should be summoned front of members of parliament to give evidence about his lease of his lodge.

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

Buckingham Palace has not commented 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