🔗 Share this article

During a engagement to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, the King was confronted by a individual who asked him about Prince Andrew's relationship with disgraced financier Epstein.

The individual asked how long the King had been aware about his sibling's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the authorities to "hide" for Andrew.

Amid the heckling, there were crowds of supporters and applause for the monarch, who was in the region for an ceremony.

Prince Andrew's connections with Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks. The prince, who gave up his titles earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any misconduct.

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

The monarch did not respond but carried on greeting supporters, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One supporter can be heard asking him for a embrace.

Another woman outside the cathedral was also observed telling the protester to "go away" and to "be quiet".

Controversy Revived by Memoir

The scandal over the Duke of York's connections to Epstein has been reignited by misconduct claims repeated in Virginia Giuffre's recently released memoir.

In the publication, Ms Giuffre says she had sexual encounters with the prince on multiple times, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "several other minors"

Prince Andrew, who reached a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting her "ever", and that they "did not have any sort of intimate relations."

New Inquiries Over Lifestyle and Housing

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

The disclosure that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Royal Lodge has heightened the examination over his living arrangements - even though he made large payments initially, including for improvements.

The Liberal Democrats said he should be called in before MPs to give testimony about his lease of his residence.

But last Thursday, the authorities declined to give parliamentarians time to discuss the royal's titles or his home, despite increasing calls for investigation.

The royal household has not issued a statement on whether Prince Andrew might relocate of his home - or where he might reside.

Associated Issues

• Prince Andrew
• UK Royal Family
• King Charles III