🔗 Share this article

In the course of a public appearance to a cathedral in Staffordshire on the start of the week, the King was shouted at by a man who asked him about his brother's links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The individual demanded to know how long the monarch had been aware about his sibling's relationship with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had instructed the authorities to "conceal" for Andrew.

Despite the heckling, there were crowds of supporters and cheers for the monarch, who was visiting the region for an ceremony.

Prince Andrew's connections with Jeffrey Epstein have been under renewed focus in recent weeks. The royal, who gave up his titles earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

"How long have you known about Andrew and Epstein? Did you request the police to cover up for Andrew?"

The monarch ignored the questions but continued greeting fans, some of whom shouted "Long live the King". One fan can be heard asking him for a embrace.

Another woman outside the cathedral was also heard telling the heckler to "leave" and to "be quiet".

Scandal Revived by Posthumous Publication

The scandal over the Duke of York's links to Epstein has been brought back into focus by sexual abuse claims detailed in Ms. Giuffre's recently released memoir.

In the publication, the accuser says she had sex with the prince 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 a news program he did not remember meeting her "ever", and that they "did not have any sort of intimate relations."

New Inquiries About Lifestyle and Living Arrangements

But recently, new inquiries 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 revelation that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Windsor mansion has heightened the scrutiny over his living arrangements - even though he made significant contributions initially, including for renovations.

The political party said he should be summoned before members of parliament to give testimony about his lease of his lodge.

But last Thursday, the government declined to give MPs time to debate the prince's status or his home, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.

The royal household has not issued a statement on whether Prince Andrew might relocate of his home - or where he might reside.

Associated Issues

• The Duke of York
• British Monarchy
• The Monarch