The Monarch Faces Protest Concerning His Brother's Epstein Links
During a engagement to a cathedral in Staffordshire on Monday, the King was heckled by a man who questioned him about Prince Andrew's connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The individual asked how long the King had been known about his sibling's relationship with Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the police to "conceal" for Prince Andrew.
Amid the heckling, there were throngs of fans and cheers for the monarch, who was in Staffordshire for an engagement.
The Duke of York's connections with Jeffrey Epstein have been under renewed focus in recent weeks. The prince, who relinquished his titles earlier this month, has categorically denied any wrongdoing.
"How long have you known about Prince Andrew and Epstein? Did you request the authorities to cover up for Andrew?"
The monarch remained silent but carried on greeting fans, some of whom shouted "God Save The King". One fan can be overheard requesting him for a hug.
Another woman outside the venue was also heard telling the protester to "go away" and to "shut up".
Controversy Revived by Memoir
The controversy over Prince Andrew's links to Epstein has been brought back into focus by sexual abuse claims repeated in Ms. Giuffre's recently released memoir.
In the memoir, the accuser says she had sexual encounters with the prince on three separate occasions, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "eight other young girls"
Prince Andrew, who reached a financial settlement with the plaintiff in 2022, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. In a previous interview, he told a news program he did not recall meeting Ms Giuffre "at all", and that they "never had any sort of sexual contact."
Fresh Questions Over Lifestyle and Housing
But recently, fresh questions have been asked about how he is able to fund his lifestyle despite not being a working royal.
The revelation that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Royal Lodge has heightened the examination over his housing situation - even though he made significant contributions initially, including for improvements.
The political party said he should be called in before members of parliament to give evidence about his lease of his residence.
But last week, the authorities refused to give MPs time to debate the prince's titles or his residence, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.
Buckingham Palace has not commented on whether Prince Andrew might relocate of his current residence - or where he might go.
Related Topics
- The Duke of York
- UK Royal Family
- The Monarch