🔗 Share this article

During a visit to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, the King was heckled by a protester who questioned him about his brother's connections with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The man demanded to know how long the monarch had been known about his brother's relationship with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had instructed the authorities to "conceal" for Prince Andrew.

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

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

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

The King remained silent but carried on greeting supporters, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One supporter can be heard requesting him for a hug.

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

Controversy Revived by Memoir

The controversy over the Duke of York's connections to Jeffrey Epstein has been brought back into focus by sexual abuse allegations repeated in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published book.

In the memoir, Ms Giuffre claims she had sex with the royal on multiple times, including once with Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Prince Andrew, who agreed to a out-of-court agreement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has repeatedly denied any misconduct. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting Ms Giuffre "at all", and that they "never had any sort of intimate relations."

New Inquiries Over Lifestyle and Living Arrangements

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

The disclosure that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Royal Lodge has intensified the examination over his housing situation - even though he made significant contributions initially, including for renovations.

The Liberal Democrats said he should be summoned front of members of parliament to give evidence about his rental agreement of his lodge.

But last Thursday, the government refused to give parliamentarians time to debate the prince's titles or his residence, despite increasing calls for investigation.

Buckingham Palace has not issued a statement on whether Prince Andrew might relocate of his current residence - or where he might reside.

Related Topics

• Prince Andrew
• British Monarchy
• The Monarch