The Monarch Confronts Heckling Over His Brother's Epstein Links

In the course of a public appearance to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, King Charles was heckled by a individual who asked him about his brother's links with convicted sex offender Epstein.

The protester asked how long the King had been known about his sibling's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had asked the police to "conceal" for Andrew.

Despite the heckling, there were crowds of fans and cheers for the monarch, who was in Staffordshire for an event.

The Duke of York's connections with Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in the past few weeks. The prince, who relinquished his royal duties earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

"For how long have you been aware about Prince Andrew and Epstein? Did you request the authorities to cover up for Andrew?"

The monarch ignored the questions but continued meeting supporters, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One fan can be overheard asking him for a embrace.

A female bystander outside the venue was also observed telling the heckler to "go away" and to "shut up".

Scandal Reignited by Posthumous Publication

The controversy over the Duke of York's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been revived by sexual abuse claims detailed in Virginia Giuffre's recently released book.

In the memoir, Ms Giuffre claims she had sexual encounters with the royal on three separate occasions, including one instance with Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Prince Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with the plaintiff in recent years, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not recall meeting Ms Giuffre "ever", and that they "never had any sort of intimate relations."

Fresh Questions About Finances and Housing

But in recent times, new inquiries have been asked 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 Windsor mansion has intensified the scrutiny over his living arrangements - even though he made significant contributions up front, including for renovations.

The political party said he should be summoned front of members of parliament to give evidence about his lease of his lodge.

But last Thursday, the authorities declined to give MPs time to debate the prince's titles or his home, despite increasing calls for scrutiny.

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
• UK Royal Family
• The Monarch