The Monarch Confronts Protest Regarding Prince Andrew's Epstein Connections
In the course of a visit to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, the King was confronted by a man who questioned him about Prince Andrew's links with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The individual demanded to know how long the monarch had been aware about his brother's association with Epstein, and also questioned whether he had asked the authorities to "cover up" for Prince Andrew.
Despite the heckling, there were large groups of fans and cheers for the monarch, who was in the region for an engagement.
The Duke of York's connections with Jeffrey Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in the past few weeks. The royal, who relinquished his titles earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any misconduct.
"For how long have you been aware about Andrew and Epstein? Did you request the police to conceal for him?"
The monarch ignored the questions but continued greeting supporters, some of whom shouted "God Save The King". One supporter can be overheard asking him for a embrace.
A female bystander outside the cathedral was also observed telling the heckler to "go away" and to "be quiet".
Controversy Reignited by Posthumous Publication
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 publication, Ms Giuffre claims she had sexual encounters with the royal on three separate occasions, including once with Jeffrey Epstein and "eight other young girls"
Prince Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has consistently denied any misconduct. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not recall meeting Ms Giuffre "at all", and that they "never had any sort of intimate relations."
Fresh Questions Over Lifestyle and Living Arrangements
But in recent times, fresh questions have been raised about how he is able to fund his lifestyle despite not being a working royal.
The disclosure that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Royal Lodge has intensified the examination over his living arrangements - even though he made large payments up front, including for improvements.
The Liberal Democrats said he should be summoned front of MPs to give evidence about his lease of his lodge.
But last Thursday, the government refused to give parliamentarians time to debate the royal's status or his residence, despite growing pressure for investigation.
The royal household has not issued a statement on whether Prince Andrew might relocate of his home - or where he might reside.
Related Topics
- The Duke of York
- British Monarchy
- The Monarch