The Monarch Faces Protest Concerning Prince Andrew's Jeffrey Epstein Connections
During a engagement to a cathedral in Staffordshire on Monday, the King was heckled by a individual who questioned him about Prince Andrew's links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The protester asked how long the King had been known about his sibling's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the police to "cover up" for Prince Andrew.
Despite the heckling, there were crowds of fans and cheers for the King, who was in Staffordshire for an engagement.
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 strongly denied any misconduct.
"For how long have you been aware about Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Have you asked the police to cover up for him?"
The monarch ignored the questions but carried on greeting fans, some of whom chanted "God Save The King". One fan can be overheard asking him for a hug.
A female bystander outside the venue was also observed telling the protester to "leave" and to "shut up".
Controversy Reignited by Posthumous Publication
The controversy over the Duke of York's links to Epstein has been brought back into focus by misconduct claims detailed in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published book.
In the memoir, the accuser claims she had sex with the prince on three separate occasions, including once with Jeffrey Epstein and "eight other young girls"
Andrew, who agreed to a out-of-court agreement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In a previous interview, 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, new inquiries have been asked about how he is able to finance his lifestyle despite not being a working royal.
The disclosure that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Windsor mansion has intensified the scrutiny over his living arrangements - even though he made significant contributions initially, including for improvements.
The Liberal Democrats said he should be called in front of MPs to give evidence about his lease of his lodge.
But last week, the authorities declined to give MPs time to debate the prince's titles or his home, despite increasing calls for scrutiny.
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
- Prince Andrew
- British Monarchy
- The Monarch