The Monarch Confronts Protest Over His Brother's Jeffrey Epstein Links

In the course of a engagement to a cathedral in Staffordshire on the start of the week, King Charles was shouted at by a individual who questioned him about Prince Andrew's connections with disgraced financier Epstein.

The individual asked how long the King had been aware about his sibling's association with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had asked the police to "conceal" for Prince Andrew.

Amid the heckling, there were crowds of fans and applause for the King, who was visiting Staffordshire for an ceremony.

Prince Andrew's connections with Jeffrey Epstein have been under renewed focus in recent weeks. The prince, who gave up his titles earlier this month, has strongly denied any misconduct.

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

The monarch ignored the questions but carried on greeting supporters, some of whom shouted "Long live the King". One fan can be heard requesting him for a hug.

Another woman outside the cathedral was also heard telling the protester to "go away" and to "shut up".

Controversy Revived by Posthumous Publication

The controversy over the Duke of York's connections to Epstein has been brought back into focus by sexual abuse claims repeated in Virginia Giuffre's recently released memoir.

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

Prince Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has repeatedly denied any misconduct. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not recall meeting her "at all", and that they "did not have any sort of intimate relations."

New Inquiries About Lifestyle and Housing

But in recent times, fresh questions have been asked about how he is able to fund his lifestyle despite not being a working royal.

The revelation that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Royal Lodge has heightened the examination over his housing situation - even though he made large payments initially, including for improvements.

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

But last Thursday, the government declined to give parliamentarians time to debate the prince's titles or his residence, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.

The royal household has not commented on whether Prince Andrew might move out of his current residence - or where he might reside.

Related Topics

  • Prince Andrew
  • UK Royal Family
  • The Monarch
Amber York
Amber York

A seasoned UK-based journalist with over a decade of experience covering lifestyle and cultural trends across Britain.