The Monarch Confronts Protest Over Prince Andrew's Jeffrey Epstein Ties

During a visit to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday, King Charles was heckled by a man who questioned him about his brother's relationship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The man asked how long the King had been known about his sibling's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had instructed the authorities to "hide" for Prince Andrew.

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

Prince Andrew's connections with Jeffrey Epstein have been under renewed focus in the past few weeks. The royal, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has strongly denied any misconduct.

"How long have you known about Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Have you asked the police to conceal for him?"

The King did not respond but continued greeting supporters, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One fan can be heard requesting him for a hug.

A female bystander outside the cathedral was also heard telling the protester to "leave" and to "be quiet".

Scandal Revived by Posthumous Publication

The scandal over Prince Andrew's links to Epstein has been brought back into focus by sexual abuse claims repeated in Virginia Giuffre's recently released book.

In the publication, Ms Giuffre claims she had sexual encounters with the royal on multiple times, including one instance with Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Andrew, who reached a financial settlement with the plaintiff in recent years, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. In a previous interview, he told a news program he did not remember meeting Ms Giuffre "at all", and that they "never had any sort of sexual contact."

Fresh Questions About Finances and Living Arrangements

But recently, fresh questions have been asked about how he is able to fund his lifestyle despite not being a active member of the royal family.

The disclosure that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Windsor mansion has intensified the scrutiny over his living arrangements - even though he made large payments initially, including for renovations.

The Liberal Democrats said he should be called in front of MPs to give testimony about his lease of his lodge.

But last Thursday, the authorities declined to give MPs time to debate the royal's status or his residence, despite increasing calls for investigation.

Buckingham Palace has not commented on whether the Duke of York might move out of his current residence - or where he might go.

Associated Issues

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