The Monarch Encounters Protest Over Prince Andrew's Epstein Connections
During a public appearance to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday, the King was confronted by a individual who asked him about his brother's links with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The individual demanded to know how long the monarch had been aware about his brother's relationship with Epstein, and also questioned whether he had asked the police to "conceal" for Prince Andrew.
Despite the heckling, there were large groups of fans and applause for the King, who was visiting the region for an engagement.
Prince Andrew's links with Epstein have been under renewed focus in the past few weeks. The royal, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has strongly denied any wrongdoing.
"How long have you been aware about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Have you asked the police to cover up for Andrew?"
The King remained silent but carried on greeting supporters, some of whom chanted "God Save The King". One supporter can be overheard asking him for a embrace.
A female bystander outside the venue was also observed telling the heckler to "go away" and to "be quiet".
Controversy Reignited by Memoir
The controversy over Prince Andrew's connections to Jeffrey Epstein has been revived by sexual abuse allegations detailed in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published book.
In the publication, Ms Giuffre alleges she had sexual encounters with the royal on three separate occasions, including one instance with Epstein and "eight other young girls"
Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has repeatedly denied any misconduct. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not recall meeting Ms Giuffre "ever", and that they "did not have any sort of sexual contact."
New Inquiries About Finances and Housing
But in recent times, fresh questions 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 nominal fee on his Royal Lodge has heightened the scrutiny over his housing situation - even though he made significant contributions up front, including for improvements.
The political party said he should be called in front of MPs to give evidence about his rental agreement of his residence.
But last Thursday, the authorities refused to give MPs time to debate the prince's status or his residence, despite growing pressure for investigation.
Buckingham Palace has not commented on whether the Duke of York might relocate of his current residence - or where he might reside.
Associated Issues
- Prince Andrew
- UK Royal Family
- King Charles III