🔗 Share this article

During a public appearance to a cathedral in Staffordshire on Monday, the King was heckled by a man who questioned him about Prince Andrew's connections with convicted sex offender Epstein.

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

Amid the protest, there were crowds of supporters and applause for the monarch, who was in Staffordshire for an ceremony.

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

"For how long have you known about Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Have you asked the authorities to cover up for Andrew?"

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

A female bystander outside the cathedral was also heard telling the protester to "go away" and to "be quiet".

Controversy Reignited by Memoir

The scandal over Prince Andrew's links to Epstein has been brought back into focus by misconduct allegations repeated in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published book.

In the publication, the accuser says she had sexual encounters with the prince on multiple times, including one instance with Epstein and "several other minors"

Prince Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has consistently denied any misconduct. In 2019, he told a news program he did not remember meeting her "at all", and that they "did not have any sort of sexual contact."

New Inquiries About Lifestyle and Living Arrangements

But in recent times, new inquiries have been asked about how he is able to fund 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 intensified the scrutiny over his housing situation - even though he made significant contributions up front, including for renovations.

The political party said he should be summoned before members of parliament to give testimony about his lease of his lodge.

But last Thursday, the government declined to give MPs time to discuss the prince's titles or his residence, despite increasing calls 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.

Associated Issues

• Prince Andrew
• UK Royal Family
• The Monarch