🔗 Share this article

During a visit to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, the King was confronted by a man who questioned him about Prince Andrew's links with convicted sex offender Epstein.

The man inquired how long the King had been aware about his sibling's relationship with Epstein, and also questioned whether he had asked the authorities to "cover up" for Prince Andrew.

Despite the protest, there were throngs of fans and cheers for the King, who was visiting Staffordshire for an engagement.

The Duke of York's links with Epstein have been under close examination in recent weeks. The royal, who relinquished 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 authorities to conceal for Andrew?"

The monarch ignored the questions but carried on meeting fans, some of whom chanted "God Save The King". One supporter can be overheard asking him for a embrace.

A female bystander outside the cathedral was also observed telling the heckler to "leave" and to "be quiet".

Controversy Revived by Memoir

The controversy over the Duke of York's connections to Epstein has been reignited by misconduct allegations repeated in Ms. Giuffre's posthumously-published memoir.

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

Prince Andrew, who reached a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told a news program he did not remember meeting her "at all", and that they "never had any sort of intimate relations."

Fresh Questions Over Lifestyle and Living Arrangements

But recently, new inquiries have been raised about how he is able to fund his way of life despite not being a working royal.

The revelation that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Royal Lodge has heightened the examination over his living arrangements - even though he made large payments initially, including for improvements.

The Liberal Democrats said he should be summoned front of members of parliament to give testimony about his lease of his residence.

But last Thursday, the authorities refused to give MPs time to debate the prince's titles or his home, despite growing pressure for investigation.

Buckingham Palace has not issued a statement on whether the Duke of York might move out of his home - or where he might reside.

Associated Issues

• Prince Andrew
• British Monarchy
• King Charles III