The Monarch Faces Protest Over Prince Andrew's Jeffrey Epstein Links
During a public appearance to a cathedral in Staffordshire on the start of the week, the King was confronted by a individual who asked him about his brother's relationship with disgraced financier Epstein.
The man demanded to know how long the King had been aware about his sibling's relationship with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had instructed the police to "hide" for Andrew.
Amid the protest, there were throngs of well-wishers and cheers for the monarch, who was visiting the region for an event.
The Duke of York's associations with Jeffrey Epstein have been under close examination in recent weeks. The royal, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has strongly denied any misconduct.
"For how long have you known about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Did you request the police to conceal for Andrew?"
The King remained silent but continued meeting fans, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One supporter can be heard asking him for a hug.
A female bystander outside the cathedral was also heard telling the protester to "go away" and to "shut up".
Scandal Reignited by Memoir
The scandal over the Duke of York's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been brought back into focus by sexual abuse allegations detailed in Ms. Giuffre's recently released book.
In the memoir, the accuser claims she had sex with the royal on multiple times, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "several other minors"
Prince Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has consistently denied any misconduct. In 2019, he told a news program he did not recall meeting Ms Giuffre "at all", and that they "did not have any sort of sexual contact."
New Inquiries About Finances and Housing
But recently, new inquiries have been asked about how he is able to fund his lifestyle despite not being a working royal.
The revelation that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Windsor mansion has heightened the scrutiny over his housing situation - even though he made large payments up front, including for renovations.
The Liberal Democrats said he should be summoned front of MPs to give evidence about his lease of his lodge.
But last week, the government refused to give parliamentarians time to discuss the prince's status or his home, despite increasing calls for investigation.
Buckingham Palace has not commented on whether the Duke of York might relocate of his current residence - or where he might go.
Related Topics
- Prince Andrew
- British Monarchy
- King Charles III