The Monarch Confronts Protest Concerning His Brother's Jeffrey Epstein Connections

During a visit to a cathedral in Staffordshire on Monday, King Charles was shouted at by a protester who asked him about his brother's links with convicted sex offender Epstein.

The man inquired how long the monarch had been aware about his brother's association with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had asked the police to "conceal" for Prince Andrew.

Amid the protest, there were large groups of well-wishers and cheers for the King, who was visiting Staffordshire for an ceremony.

The Duke of York's links with Jeffrey Epstein have been under renewed focus in recent weeks. The prince, who relinquished his titles earlier this month, has strongly denied any wrongdoing.

"For how long have you been aware about Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Have you asked the police to conceal for him?"

The monarch did not respond but carried on greeting fans, some of whom shouted "Long live the King". One fan can be overheard asking him for a embrace.

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

Controversy Revived by Posthumous Publication

The scandal over the Duke of York's links to Epstein has been revived by misconduct allegations repeated in Ms. Giuffre's recently released book.

In the memoir, the accuser says she had sex with the prince on multiple times, including once with Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Andrew, who reached a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has consistently denied any misconduct. 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 intimate relations."

Fresh Questions About Lifestyle and Housing

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

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

The Liberal Democrats said he should be called in front of members of parliament to give evidence about his lease of his residence.

But last Thursday, the authorities declined to give MPs time to discuss the prince's status or his residence, despite increasing calls for investigation.

Buckingham Palace has not commented on whether Prince Andrew might relocate of his home - or where he might go.

Related Topics

• The Duke of York
• British Monarchy
• The Monarch