The Monarch Faces Heckling Concerning Prince Andrew's Jeffrey Epstein Ties

During a visit to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday, the King was shouted at by a man who questioned him about his brother's relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The individual demanded to know how long the King had been aware about his brother's relationship with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had instructed the authorities to "cover up" for Andrew.

Despite the heckling, there were crowds of fans and cheers for the monarch, who was visiting the region for an ceremony.

The Duke of York's associations with Jeffrey Epstein have been under close examination in recent weeks. The prince, who relinquished his royal duties earlier this month, has categorically denied any wrongdoing.

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

The monarch remained silent but continued meeting supporters, some of whom shouted "God Save The King". One supporter can be overheard asking him for a hug.

Another woman outside the cathedral was also heard telling the heckler to "leave" and to "shut up".

Scandal Revived by Posthumous Publication

The controversy over the Duke of York's links to Epstein has been revived by sexual abuse claims repeated in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published memoir.

In the publication, Ms Giuffre alleges she had sexual encounters with the royal on multiple times, including once with Epstein and "several other minors"

Prince Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with the plaintiff in recent years, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting her "at all", and that they "never had any sort of intimate relations."

Fresh Questions Over Finances and Housing

But in recent times, new inquiries have been raised about how he is able to finance his lifestyle despite not being a active member of the royal family.

The disclosure that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Windsor mansion has intensified the scrutiny over his housing situation - 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 residence.

But last Thursday, the authorities refused to give MPs time to debate the royal's titles or his residence, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.

The royal household has not commented on whether Prince Andrew might relocate of his current residence - or where he might go.

Related Topics

• Prince Andrew
• British Monarchy
• King Charles III