🔗 Share this article

During a visit to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, King Charles was shouted at by a man who questioned him about Prince Andrew's connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The protester inquired how long the monarch had been aware about his sibling's relationship with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had asked the authorities to "hide" for Andrew.

Amid the heckling, there were large groups of supporters and cheers for the King, who was visiting the region for an engagement.

The Duke of York's links with Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks. The royal, who gave up his titles earlier this month, has strongly denied any wrongdoing.

"For how long have you known about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Have you asked the authorities to conceal for Andrew?"

The King ignored the questions but continued greeting supporters, some of whom shouted "Long live the King". One fan can be overheard asking him for a hug.

A female bystander outside the cathedral was also heard telling the heckler to "leave" and to "shut up".

Controversy Revived by Memoir

The controversy over Prince Andrew's connections to Jeffrey Epstein has been brought back into focus by sexual abuse allegations detailed in Ms. Giuffre's posthumously-published book.

In the memoir, the accuser claims she had sex with the royal on multiple times, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with Ms Giuffre 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 "never had any sort of intimate relations."

New Inquiries Over Finances and Living Arrangements

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

The disclosure that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Royal Lodge has intensified the scrutiny over his housing situation - even though he made significant contributions up front, including for improvements.

The political party said he should be called in before MPs to give evidence about his lease of his lodge.

But last Thursday, the government declined to give MPs time to debate the prince's titles or his home, despite increasing calls for investigation.

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

Related Topics

• Prince Andrew
• British Monarchy
• The Monarch