The Monarch Faces Protest Regarding Prince Andrew's Jeffrey Epstein Links
During a visit to a cathedral in Staffordshire on the start of the week, the King was confronted by a man who questioned him about his brother's connections with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The protester demanded to know how long the King had been aware about his brother's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had asked the authorities to "conceal" for Andrew.
Despite the heckling, there were crowds of supporters and applause for the monarch, who was visiting the region for an engagement.
The Duke of York's associations with Jeffrey Epstein have been under close examination in recent weeks. The royal, who relinquished his royal duties earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any misconduct.
"How long have you been aware about Prince Andrew and Epstein? Have you asked the authorities to conceal for him?"
The King remained silent but continued greeting supporters, some of whom shouted "God Save The King". One fan can be heard requesting him for a hug.
Another woman outside the cathedral was also observed telling the protester to "leave" and to "be quiet".
Scandal Revived by Posthumous Publication
The scandal over Prince Andrew's connections to Jeffrey Epstein has been reignited by sexual abuse allegations repeated in Virginia Giuffre's recently released memoir.
In the memoir, the accuser alleges she had sex with the royal on three separate occasions, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "several other minors"
Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, 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 sexual contact."
New Inquiries Over Lifestyle and Housing
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 disclosure that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Windsor mansion has intensified the examination over his living arrangements - even though he made large payments initially, including for renovations.
The Liberal Democrats said he should be called in before members of parliament to give testimony about his lease of his lodge.
But last Thursday, the authorities declined to give MPs time to debate the prince's status or his residence, despite increasing calls for scrutiny.
Buckingham Palace has not issued a statement on whether Prince Andrew might move out of his home - or where he might reside.
Related Topics
- Prince Andrew
- UK Royal Family
- The Monarch