The Monarch Encounters Protest Over Prince Andrew's Jeffrey Epstein Connections

During a engagement to a cathedral in Staffordshire on the start of the week, the King was confronted by a protester who asked him about Prince Andrew's links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The protester asked how long the monarch had been known about his brother's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had asked the police to "hide" for Andrew.

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

The Duke of York's connections with Epstein have been under renewed focus in recent weeks. The prince, who gave up his titles earlier this month, has categorically denied any misconduct.

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

The King did not respond but continued greeting supporters, some of whom chanted "God Save The King". One supporter can be heard requesting him for a hug.

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

Scandal Revived by Memoir

The controversy over the Duke of York's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been revived by sexual abuse allegations repeated in Ms. Giuffre's posthumously-published memoir.

In the memoir, Ms Giuffre says she had sex with the royal on three separate occasions, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Andrew, who agreed to a out-of-court agreement with the plaintiff in 2022, has repeatedly denied any misconduct. In a previous interview, he told a news program he did not recall meeting her "at all", and that they "did not have any sort of intimate relations."

Fresh Questions Over Finances and Housing

But recently, new inquiries 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 Royal Lodge has intensified the examination over his housing situation - even though he made large payments initially, including for renovations.

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

But last Thursday, the government declined to give MPs time to discuss the royal's titles or his home, despite growing pressure for investigation.

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

Related Topics

• The Duke of York
• UK Royal Family
• King Charles III