The Monarch Faces Protest Over His Brother's Epstein Connections
During a engagement to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, the King was confronted by a individual who asked him about Prince Andrew's relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The individual asked how long the monarch had been known about his brother's association with Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the police to "conceal" for Andrew.
Amid the heckling, there were throngs of fans and cheers for the King, who was visiting Staffordshire for an engagement.
The Duke of York's connections with Jeffrey Epstein have been under close examination in the past few weeks. The royal, who relinquished his royal duties earlier this month, has categorically denied any misconduct.
"For how long have you known about Prince Andrew and Epstein? Did you request the police to conceal for Andrew?"
The King did not respond but carried on meeting fans, some of whom chanted "God Save The King". One supporter can be overheard asking him for a embrace.
Another woman outside the venue was also observed telling the protester to "leave" and to "shut up".
Controversy Reignited by Memoir
The scandal over the Duke of York's links to Epstein has been revived by sexual abuse allegations repeated in Virginia Giuffre's recently released memoir.
In the memoir, Ms Giuffre claims she had sex with the prince on three separate occasions, including once with Epstein and "several other minors"
Prince Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting her "at all", and that they "never had any sort of sexual contact."
Fresh Questions About Lifestyle and Living Arrangements
But recently, fresh questions have been raised about how he is able to finance his way of life despite not being a active member of the royal family.
The revelation that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Royal Lodge has intensified the examination over his living arrangements - even though he made significant contributions initially, including for improvements.
The Liberal Democrats said he should be called in before MPs to give testimony about his lease of his lodge.
But last week, the government refused to give MPs time to discuss the prince's titles or his home, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.
The royal household has not commented on whether the Duke of York might move out of his current residence - or where he might go.
Related Topics
- Prince Andrew
- British Monarchy
- King Charles III