King Charles Encounters Heckling Over His Brother's Jeffrey Epstein Links

During a public appearance to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, King Charles was heckled by a protester who questioned him about Prince Andrew's relationship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The protester inquired how long the monarch had been known about his brother's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the authorities to "hide" for Prince Andrew.

Despite the protest, there were throngs of fans and applause for the King, who was visiting Staffordshire for an event.

The Duke of York's connections with Jeffrey Epstein have been under close examination in the past few weeks. The royal, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has strongly denied any misconduct.

"How long have you been aware about Prince Andrew and Epstein? Did you request the police to conceal for Andrew?"

The monarch remained silent but continued greeting fans, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One supporter can be heard requesting him for a embrace.

Another woman outside the cathedral was also heard telling the protester to "go away" and to "be quiet".

Scandal Revived by Memoir

The controversy over Prince Andrew's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been revived by sexual abuse claims detailed in Virginia Giuffre's recently released memoir.

In the memoir, Ms Giuffre says she had sex with the royal on three separate occasions, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Andrew, who reached a financial settlement with the plaintiff in recent years, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told a news program he did not recall meeting her "ever", and that they "never had any sort of intimate relations."

New Inquiries About Finances 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 revelation that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Windsor mansion has heightened the scrutiny over his living arrangements - even though he made significant contributions up front, including for renovations.

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

But last week, the government declined to give MPs time to debate the prince's titles or his home, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.

Buckingham Palace has not issued a statement on whether the Duke of York might relocate of his current residence - or where he might go.

Related Topics

• The Duke of York
• UK Royal Family
• The Monarch