🔗 Share this article

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

The protester inquired how long the King had been aware about his sibling's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had asked the police to "conceal" for Andrew.

Amid the protest, there were crowds of supporters and cheers for the monarch, who was visiting Staffordshire for an event.

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

"How long have you been aware about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Have you asked the authorities to conceal for Andrew?"

The King remained silent but continued meeting supporters, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One supporter can be heard requesting him for a hug.

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

Scandal Reignited by Memoir

The controversy over Prince Andrew's links to Epstein has been revived by misconduct claims detailed in Ms. Giuffre's posthumously-published book.

In the publication, Ms Giuffre claims she had sexual encounters with the prince on three separate occasions, including once with Jeffrey Epstein and "several other minors"

Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. In a previous interview, he told a news program he did not recall meeting her "at all", and that they "did not have any sort of intimate relations."

Fresh Questions Over Lifestyle and Housing

But recently, new inquiries have been raised about how he is able to fund his lifestyle 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 significant contributions up front, including for renovations.

The Liberal Democrats said he should be summoned front of members of parliament to give evidence about his lease of his lodge.

But last Thursday, the government declined to give MPs time to debate the prince's status or his residence, despite increasing calls for scrutiny.

The royal household has not commented on whether Prince Andrew might relocate of his home - or where he might go.

Associated Issues

• The Duke of York
• UK Royal Family
• King Charles III