🔗 Share this article

During a engagement to a cathedral in Staffordshire on the start of the week, the King was shouted at by a man who questioned him about Prince Andrew's connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The protester demanded to know how long the King had been known about his brother's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had asked the authorities to "hide" for Prince Andrew.

Amid the heckling, there were throngs of fans and cheers for the King, who was in Staffordshire for an ceremony.

The Duke of York's links with Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in the past few weeks. The royal, who gave up his titles earlier this month, has categorically denied any misconduct.

"How long have you known about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Have you asked the police to cover up for Andrew?"

The monarch ignored the questions but continued meeting supporters, some of whom shouted "God Save The King". One supporter can be heard requesting him for a hug.

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

Controversy Reignited by Memoir

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

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

Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with the plaintiff in 2022, has repeatedly denied any misconduct. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting her "at all", and that they "did not have any sort of sexual contact."

New Inquiries Over Finances and Housing

But recently, new inquiries have been asked about how he is able to finance his way of life despite not being a working royal.

The disclosure that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Royal Lodge has intensified the examination over his housing situation - even though he made large payments up front, including for improvements.

The Liberal Democrats said he should be summoned before members of parliament to give evidence about his rental agreement of his residence.

But last Thursday, the authorities declined to give parliamentarians time to discuss the royal's status or his residence, despite increasing calls for scrutiny.

The royal household has not issued a statement on whether Prince Andrew might move out of his current residence - or where he might go.

Associated Issues

• Prince Andrew
• UK Royal Family
• King Charles III