🔗 Share this article

In the course of a public appearance to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday, King Charles was heckled by a man who asked him about Prince Andrew's links with convicted sex offender Epstein.

The protester inquired how long the monarch had been aware about his brother's association with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had asked the police to "cover up" for Andrew.

Despite the heckling, there were crowds of well-wishers and applause for the monarch, who was visiting the region for an event.

Prince Andrew's associations with Epstein have been under renewed focus in the past few weeks. The royal, who gave up his titles earlier this month, has strongly denied any wrongdoing.

"How long have you known about Prince Andrew and Epstein? Have you asked the police to cover up for him?"

The monarch remained silent but continued greeting supporters, some of whom shouted "God Save The King". One supporter can be overheard requesting him for a embrace.

Another woman outside the venue was also observed telling the heckler to "go away" and to "shut up".

Scandal Reignited by Memoir

The controversy over the Duke of York's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been revived by misconduct claims detailed in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published book.

In the publication, the accuser says she had sexual encounters with the prince on multiple times, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Prince Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not recall meeting Ms Giuffre "ever", and that they "never had any sort of intimate relations."

New Inquiries About Lifestyle and Living Arrangements

But recently, new inquiries have been raised about how he is able to finance his lifestyle despite not being a active member of the royal family.

The revelation that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Windsor mansion has heightened the scrutiny over his living arrangements - 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 testimony about his lease of his residence.

But last week, the government refused to give parliamentarians time to discuss the prince's titles or his residence, despite growing pressure for investigation.

Buckingham Palace has not commented on whether the Duke of York might move out of his home - or where he might reside.

Associated Issues

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