The Monarch Faces Protest Regarding Prince Andrew's Jeffrey Epstein Links
In the course of a engagement to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday, the King was heckled by a individual who asked him about his brother's links with disgraced financier Epstein.
The protester asked how long the King had been known about his brother's relationship with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had instructed the authorities to "hide" for Andrew.
Despite the heckling, there were crowds of well-wishers and applause for the monarch, who was in Staffordshire for an engagement.
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.
"For 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 supporters, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One supporter can be heard requesting him for a embrace.
Another woman outside the venue was also heard telling the heckler to "leave" and to "shut up".
Scandal Revived by Memoir
The scandal over the Duke of York's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been revived by misconduct claims detailed in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published book.
In the memoir, the accuser says she had sex with the royal on multiple times, including once with Epstein and "several other minors"
Andrew, who reached a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has consistently denied any misconduct. In 2019, he told a news program he did not remember meeting her "at all", and that they "never had any sort of sexual contact."
Fresh Questions About Finances and Housing
But recently, fresh questions have been asked about how he is able to finance his lifestyle 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 examination over his housing situation - even though he made large payments initially, including for renovations.
The political party said he should be called in front of MPs to give testimony about his rental agreement of his residence.
But last week, the government refused to give parliamentarians time to debate the royal's titles or his residence, despite growing pressure for investigation.
The royal household has not issued a statement 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