The Monarch Faces Heckling Over His Brother's Epstein Links
During a public appearance to a cathedral in Staffordshire on Monday, the King was confronted by a individual who asked him about Prince Andrew's connections with convicted sex offender Epstein.
The protester asked how long the monarch had been aware about his sibling's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the police to "hide" for Andrew.
Amid the protest, there were throngs of fans and cheers for the King, who was in Staffordshire for an engagement.
Prince Andrew's links with Jeffrey Epstein have been under close examination in recent weeks. The prince, who relinquished his royal duties earlier this month, has categorically denied any misconduct.
"How long have you been aware about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Have you asked the police to conceal for Andrew?"
The monarch remained silent but continued meeting fans, some of whom chanted "God Save The King". One supporter can be heard asking him for a embrace.
A female bystander outside the cathedral was also heard telling the heckler to "go away" and to "be quiet".
Controversy Revived by Posthumous Publication
The controversy over Prince Andrew's connections to Epstein has been brought back into focus by sexual abuse claims repeated in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published memoir.
In the memoir, Ms Giuffre claims she had sex with the royal on three separate occasions, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "eight other young girls"
Prince Andrew, who agreed to a out-of-court agreement with the plaintiff in recent years, has consistently denied any misconduct. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not recall meeting Ms Giuffre "at all", and that they "did not have any sort of intimate relations."
Fresh Questions About Finances and Housing
But in recent times, fresh questions have been asked about how he is able to fund his way of life despite not being a active member of the royal family.
The disclosure that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Windsor mansion has heightened the examination over his housing situation - even though he made large payments initially, including for renovations.
The political party said he should be summoned front of MPs to give evidence about his lease of his lodge.
But last Thursday, the authorities declined to give MPs time to debate the royal's status or his residence, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.
The royal household has not issued a statement on whether the Duke of York might move out of his current residence - or where he might go.
Associated Issues
- The Duke of York
- UK Royal Family
- King Charles III