The Monarch Encounters Heckling Over His Brother's Jeffrey Epstein Links
In the course of a visit to a cathedral in Staffordshire on the start of the week, the King was confronted by a individual who asked him about his brother's relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The individual asked how long the monarch had been aware about his sibling's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the police to "cover up" for Andrew.
Amid the protest, there were crowds of supporters and applause for the monarch, who was visiting 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 repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
"For how long have you known about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Did you request the authorities to cover up for Andrew?"
The monarch did not respond but continued meeting fans, some of whom shouted "Long live the King". One supporter can be overheard requesting him for a embrace.
Another woman outside the cathedral was also observed telling the protester to "go away" and to "shut up".
Controversy Revived by Posthumous Publication
The scandal over the Duke of York's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been reignited by sexual abuse allegations detailed in Virginia Giuffre's recently released book.
In the publication, Ms Giuffre claims she had sexual encounters with the royal on three separate occasions, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "several other minors"
Prince Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with the plaintiff in 2022, has repeatedly denied any misconduct. In 2019, he told a news program he did not remember meeting her "ever", and that they "never had any sort of intimate relations."
Fresh Questions About Lifestyle and Living Arrangements
But in recent times, fresh questions have been raised about how he is able to finance 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 scrutiny over his housing situation - even though he made large payments initially, including for renovations.
The Liberal Democrats said he should be summoned before MPs to give testimony about his lease of his lodge.
But last week, the authorities declined to give parliamentarians time to debate the prince's titles or his home, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.
The royal household has not commented on whether Prince Andrew might move out of his home - or where he might go.
Related Topics
- Prince Andrew
- British Monarchy
- King Charles III