The Monarch Confronts Heckling Concerning Prince Andrew's Epstein Ties
During a visit to a cathedral in Staffordshire on Monday, the King was shouted at by a individual who questioned him about his brother's links with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The man inquired how long the monarch had been aware about his sibling's relationship with Epstein, and also questioned whether he had asked the authorities to "cover up" for Prince Andrew.
Amid the heckling, there were crowds of well-wishers and applause for the monarch, who was visiting the region for an event.
Prince Andrew's associations with Jeffrey Epstein have been under renewed focus in recent weeks. The royal, who gave up his titles earlier this month, has strongly denied any wrongdoing.
"For how long have you been aware about Prince Andrew and Epstein? Have you asked the police to cover up for him?"
The monarch did not respond but continued meeting supporters, some of whom shouted "Long live the King". One fan can be heard asking him for a embrace.
Another woman outside the venue was also heard telling the heckler to "go away" and to "shut up".
Controversy Revived by Memoir
The scandal over the Duke of York's links to Epstein has been brought back into focus by misconduct allegations repeated in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published memoir.
In the memoir, the accuser claims she had sex with the royal on three separate occasions, including once with Jeffrey Epstein and "several other minors"
Prince Andrew, who agreed to a out-of-court agreement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not recall meeting Ms Giuffre "at all", and that they "did not have any sort of sexual contact."
New Inquiries About Lifestyle and Living Arrangements
But in recent times, fresh questions have been raised about how he is able to finance his way of life despite not being a working royal.
The revelation that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Windsor mansion has intensified the examination over his living arrangements - even though he made large payments up front, including for improvements.
The Liberal Democrats said he should be called in before members of parliament to give testimony about his rental agreement of his residence.
But last week, the government declined to give MPs time to discuss the royal's status or his home, despite increasing calls for investigation.
The royal household has not issued a statement on whether the Duke of York might relocate of his current residence - or where he might go.
Related Topics
- The Duke of York
- British Monarchy
- King Charles III