🔗 Share this article

During a engagement to a cathedral in Staffordshire on the start of the week, the King was heckled by a individual who asked him about Prince Andrew's relationship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The man demanded to know how long the King had been aware about his sibling's relationship with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had instructed the police to "hide" for Andrew.

Despite the protest, there were throngs of fans and applause for the monarch, who was visiting Staffordshire for an event.

The Duke of York's links with Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in the past few weeks. The royal, who gave up his titles earlier this month, has strongly denied any misconduct.

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

The King ignored the questions but carried on greeting supporters, some of whom shouted "Long live the King". One supporter can be heard asking him for a embrace.

Another woman outside the venue was also observed telling the heckler to "leave" and to "be quiet".

Controversy Revived by Posthumous Publication

The controversy over the Duke of York's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been revived by sexual abuse claims repeated in Ms. Giuffre's recently released memoir.

In the publication, the accuser claims she had sexual encounters with the prince on three separate occasions, including one instance with Epstein and "several other minors"

Prince Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has repeatedly denied any misconduct. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting Ms Giuffre "ever", and that they "did not have any sort of sexual contact."

Fresh Questions About Finances and Housing

But recently, new inquiries have been raised 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 Royal Lodge has intensified the scrutiny over his living arrangements - even though he made significant contributions up front, including for improvements.

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

But last week, the authorities refused to give parliamentarians time to discuss the prince's status or his home, despite increasing calls for investigation.

Buckingham Palace has not issued a statement on whether the Duke of York might relocate of his home - or where he might reside.

Associated Issues

• Prince Andrew
• British Monarchy
• The Monarch