🔗 Share this article

In the course of a visit to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday, King Charles was heckled by a man who asked him about Prince Andrew's connections with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

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

Amid the heckling, there were large groups of well-wishers and cheers for the monarch, who was visiting the region for an engagement.

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

"For how long have you been aware about Andrew and Epstein? Did you request the police to cover up for him?"

The monarch remained silent but continued meeting fans, some of whom chanted "God Save The King". One supporter can be heard asking him for a embrace.

A female bystander outside the venue was also heard telling the protester to "go away" and to "be quiet".

Scandal Reignited by Memoir

The scandal over the Duke of York's connections to Jeffrey Epstein has been revived by misconduct allegations repeated in Ms. Giuffre's posthumously-published memoir.

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

Prince Andrew, who reached a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not recall meeting her "ever", and that they "did not have any sort of sexual contact."

Fresh Questions Over Finances and Housing

But recently, fresh questions have been raised about how he is able to fund his way of life despite not being a working royal.

The disclosure that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Royal Lodge has intensified the examination over his housing situation - even though he made large payments up front, including for renovations.

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

But last Thursday, the authorities refused to give MPs time to debate the prince's titles or his residence, despite increasing calls for investigation.

The royal household has not issued a statement on whether Prince Andrew might relocate of his current residence - or where he might go.

Related Topics

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