🔗 Share this article

During a engagement to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday, King Charles was confronted by a protester who asked him about Prince Andrew's relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

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

Despite the heckling, there were large groups of supporters and applause for the monarch, who was visiting the region for an ceremony.

The Duke of York's associations with Epstein have been under close examination in the past few weeks. The prince, who gave up his titles earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any misconduct.

"How long have you known about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Did you request the authorities to conceal for him?"

The King remained silent but continued meeting fans, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One fan can be heard asking him for a embrace.

A female bystander outside the cathedral was also heard telling the heckler to "leave" and to "shut up".

Scandal Reignited by Posthumous Publication

The controversy over the Duke of York's connections to Jeffrey Epstein has been brought back into focus by sexual abuse claims repeated in Virginia Giuffre's recently released book.

In the publication, Ms Giuffre says she had sex with the royal on multiple times, including one instance with Epstein and "several other minors"

Andrew, who reached a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting Ms Giuffre "at all", and that they "did not have any sort of sexual contact."

Fresh Questions About Lifestyle and Housing

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

The Liberal Democrats said he should be summoned before MPs to give testimony about his rental agreement of his residence.

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

The royal household has not commented on whether Prince Andrew might move out of his current residence - or where he might reside.

Associated Issues

• The Duke of York
• British Monarchy
• The Monarch