🔗 Share this article

In the course of a visit to a cathedral in Staffordshire on Monday, King Charles was heckled by a individual who asked him about his brother's connections with convicted sex offender Epstein.

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

Despite the heckling, there were large groups of supporters and cheers for the monarch, who was visiting Staffordshire for an event.

The Duke of York's connections with Jeffrey Epstein have been under renewed focus in recent weeks. The royal, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

"How long have you known about Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Have you asked the police to conceal for Andrew?"

The monarch remained silent but carried on meeting supporters, some of whom shouted "Long live the King". One fan can be overheard requesting him for a hug.

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

Scandal Revived by Posthumous Publication

The scandal over Prince Andrew's connections to Epstein has been brought back into focus by sexual abuse claims repeated in Virginia Giuffre's recently released memoir.

In the memoir, Ms Giuffre says she had sex with the prince on multiple times, including one instance with Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Prince Andrew, who reached a financial settlement with the plaintiff in recent years, has consistently denied any misconduct. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not recall meeting her "at all", and that they "never had any sort of sexual contact."

Fresh Questions Over Finances and Housing

But recently, new inquiries have been asked about how he is able to finance his lifestyle despite not being a active member of the royal family.

The disclosure that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Windsor mansion has intensified the scrutiny over his housing situation - even though he made significant contributions up front, including for improvements.

The Liberal Democrats said he should be summoned front of members of parliament to give evidence about his rental agreement of his lodge.

But last week, the government declined to give MPs time to discuss the prince's titles or his residence, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.

The royal household has not commented on whether Prince Andrew might move out of his current residence - or where he might go.

Associated Issues

• Prince Andrew
• UK Royal Family
• The Monarch