The Monarch Confronts Protest Concerning His Brother's Epstein Links
In the course of a public appearance to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, the King was heckled by a protester who asked him about his brother's connections with disgraced financier Epstein.
The individual inquired how long the monarch had been known about his sibling's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the police to "cover up" for Andrew.
Amid the protest, there were crowds of supporters and applause for the monarch, who was in the region for an event.
Prince Andrew's links with Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in the past few weeks. The royal, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has strongly denied any wrongdoing.
"For how long have you been aware about Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Have you asked the authorities to cover up for him?"
The monarch remained silent but continued meeting fans, some of whom chanted "God Save The King". One fan can be heard asking him for a embrace.
A female bystander outside the venue was also observed telling the heckler to "go away" and to "shut up".
Controversy Reignited by Posthumous Publication
The scandal over Prince Andrew's connections to Jeffrey Epstein has been revived by sexual abuse allegations detailed in Ms. Giuffre's posthumously-published book.
In the publication, the accuser says she had sex with the prince on three separate occasions, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "several other minors"
Prince Andrew, who agreed to a out-of-court agreement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not recall meeting her "ever", and that they "never had any sort of intimate relations."
Fresh Questions Over Lifestyle and Living Arrangements
But in recent times, fresh questions have been raised about how he is able to finance his lifestyle despite not being a working royal.
The revelation that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Royal Lodge has heightened 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 before MPs to give evidence about his rental agreement of his residence.
But last Thursday, the government declined to give parliamentarians time to debate the royal's titles or his home, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.
Buckingham Palace has not issued a statement on whether the Duke of York might relocate of his home - or where he might go.
Related Topics
- The Duke of York
- UK Royal Family
- The Monarch