🔗 Share this article

During a public appearance to a cathedral in Staffordshire on Monday, King Charles was shouted at by a man who questioned him about Prince Andrew's links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The protester asked how long the monarch had been aware about his sibling's relationship with Epstein, and also questioned whether he had asked the authorities to "conceal" for Andrew.

Amid the protest, there were throngs of fans and applause for the King, who was in Staffordshire for an event.

Prince Andrew's links with Jeffrey Epstein have been under close examination in recent weeks. The prince, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any misconduct.

"For how long have you known about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Have you asked the authorities to cover up for him?"

The King did not respond but carried on meeting fans, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One supporter can be overheard asking him for a hug.

A female bystander outside the cathedral was also heard telling the heckler to "go away" and to "be quiet".

Controversy Revived by Memoir

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

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

Prince Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with the plaintiff in 2022, has consistently denied any misconduct. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting Ms Giuffre "at all", and that they "did not have any sort of intimate relations."

Fresh Questions Over Finances and Living Arrangements

But in recent times, new inquiries have been asked about how he is able to finance his way of life despite not being a active member of the royal family.

The revelation that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Royal Lodge has intensified the scrutiny over his housing situation - even though he made significant contributions initially, including for improvements.

The political party said he should be called in before members of parliament to give testimony about his lease of his lodge.

But last week, the authorities refused to give MPs time to discuss the prince's titles or his residence, despite increasing calls for investigation.

Buckingham Palace has not issued a statement on whether Prince Andrew might move out of his home - or where he might go.

Associated Issues

• Prince Andrew
• UK Royal Family
• King Charles III