The Monarch Faces Heckling Concerning His Brother's Epstein Links
In the course of a visit to a cathedral in Staffordshire on the start of the week, the King was shouted at by a individual who asked him about Prince Andrew's relationship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The man asked how long the monarch had been known about his sibling's relationship with Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the police to "hide" for Andrew.
Despite the protest, there were crowds of well-wishers and cheers for the King, who was in Staffordshire for an event.
The Duke of York's associations with Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks. The prince, who relinquished his royal duties earlier this month, has categorically denied any wrongdoing.
"For how long have you known about Andrew and Epstein? Did you request the police to cover up for Andrew?"
The monarch remained silent but carried on greeting fans, some of whom shouted "God Save The King". One fan can be heard asking him for a embrace.
A female bystander outside the venue was also heard telling the heckler to "go away" and to "shut up".
Controversy Revived by Memoir
The scandal over Prince Andrew's links to Epstein has been revived by sexual abuse claims repeated in Ms. Giuffre's recently released book.
In the memoir, Ms Giuffre claims she had sex with the royal on three separate occasions, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "several other minors"
Andrew, who reached a financial settlement with the plaintiff in 2022, has consistently denied any misconduct. In 2019, he told a news program he did not recall meeting Ms Giuffre "at all", and that they "did not have any sort of sexual contact."
Fresh Questions Over Finances and Housing
But in recent times, fresh questions 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 Royal Lodge has intensified the examination over his living arrangements - even though he made significant contributions up front, including for renovations.
The Liberal Democrats said he should be summoned front of members of parliament to give evidence about his lease of his residence.
But last week, the authorities declined to give MPs time to debate the royal's status or his home, despite growing pressure for investigation.
The royal household has not issued a statement on whether the Duke of York might relocate of his home - or where he might reside.
Associated Issues
- The Duke of York
- British Monarchy
- King Charles III