The Monarch Confronts Protest Concerning His Brother's Epstein Connections
In the course of a public appearance to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday, the King was shouted at by a individual who questioned him about Prince Andrew's relationship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The man demanded to know how long the King had been aware about his brother's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had asked the police to "cover up" for Andrew.
Despite the protest, there were crowds of well-wishers and cheers for the monarch, who was visiting Staffordshire for an event.
Prince Andrew's associations with Epstein have been under renewed focus in recent weeks. The prince, who relinquished his titles earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any misconduct.
"How long have you known about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Have you asked the police to cover up for him?"
The King ignored the questions but continued greeting supporters, some of whom chanted "God Save The King". One supporter can be overheard requesting him for a hug.
Another woman outside the cathedral was also heard telling the heckler to "leave" and to "be quiet".
Controversy Reignited by Memoir
The scandal over the Duke of York's connections to Epstein has been brought back into focus by misconduct claims repeated in Ms. Giuffre's posthumously-published book.
In the publication, the accuser says she had sexual encounters with the prince on three separate occasions, including once with Jeffrey Epstein and "several other minors"
Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with the plaintiff in recent years, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told a news program he did not remember meeting her "ever", and that they "did not have any sort of intimate relations."
Fresh Questions About Lifestyle and Housing
But recently, fresh questions have been raised about how he is able to finance his lifestyle despite not being a working royal.
The disclosure that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Windsor mansion has heightened the examination over his living arrangements - even though he made significant contributions up front, including for renovations.
The Liberal Democrats said he should be called in front of members of parliament to give evidence about his lease of his lodge.
But last Thursday, the authorities refused to give parliamentarians time to discuss the royal's status or his home, despite increasing calls for scrutiny.
Buckingham Palace has not issued a statement on whether the Duke of York might move out of his current residence - or where he might go.
Associated Issues
- Prince Andrew
- UK Royal Family
- The Monarch