🔗 Share this article

In the course of a public appearance to a cathedral in Staffordshire on Monday, the King was shouted at by a individual who asked him about Prince Andrew's relationship with disgraced financier Epstein.

The individual asked how long the King had been known about his brother's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the police to "cover up" for Andrew.

Despite the protest, there were large groups of well-wishers and applause for the King, who was in the region for an ceremony.

Prince Andrew's connections with Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in the past few weeks. The royal, who relinquished his royal duties earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any misconduct.

"How long have you been aware about Prince Andrew and Epstein? Have you asked the authorities to cover up for him?"

The monarch remained silent but continued meeting fans, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One supporter can be overheard asking him for a hug.

A female bystander outside the cathedral was also observed telling the heckler to "go away" and to "be quiet".

Scandal Revived by Posthumous Publication

The controversy over the Duke of York's connections to Epstein has been reignited by misconduct allegations repeated in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published memoir.

In the publication, Ms Giuffre claims she had sex with the prince on multiple times, including once with Epstein and "several other minors"

Andrew, who reached a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told a news program he did not recall meeting Ms Giuffre "ever", and that they "never had any sort of intimate relations."

New Inquiries Over Finances and Living Arrangements

But recently, fresh questions have been asked about how he is able to finance his lifestyle despite not being a working royal.

The revelation that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Windsor mansion has heightened the examination over his living arrangements - even though he made significant contributions initially, including for improvements.

The Liberal Democrats said he should be summoned before MPs to give testimony about his lease of his residence.

But last week, the government refused 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 the Duke of York might relocate of his home - or where he might go.

Related Topics

• The Duke of York
• UK Royal Family
• The Monarch