🔗 Share this article

In the course of a engagement to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday, King Charles was shouted at by a man who questioned him about his brother's links with disgraced financier Epstein.

The man asked how long the monarch had been known about his brother's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had asked the authorities to "hide" for Andrew.

Amid the protest, there were throngs of well-wishers and cheers for the monarch, who was in Staffordshire for an event.

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

"How long have you known about Andrew and Epstein? Did you request the authorities to cover up for Andrew?"

The monarch remained silent but carried on greeting supporters, some of whom shouted "God Save The King". One supporter can be heard requesting him for a embrace.

Another woman outside the cathedral was also heard telling the protester to "leave" and to "be quiet".

Scandal Revived by Memoir

The scandal over Prince Andrew's links to Epstein has been brought back into focus by sexual abuse allegations repeated in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published book.

In the memoir, the accuser says she had sexual encounters with the royal on three separate occasions, including once with Jeffrey Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Prince Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with the plaintiff in 2022, has repeatedly denied any misconduct. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not recall meeting Ms Giuffre "at all", and that they "did not have any sort of sexual contact."

New Inquiries 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 active member of the royal family.

The disclosure that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Royal Lodge has intensified the examination over his housing situation - even though he made significant contributions up front, including for renovations.

The Liberal Democrats said he should be summoned before MPs to give testimony about his lease of his lodge.

But last week, the government refused to give MPs time to debate the prince's titles or his residence, despite increasing calls for scrutiny.

The royal household has not commented on whether the Duke of York might relocate of his current residence - or where he might reside.

Associated Issues

• The Duke of York
• UK Royal Family
• King Charles III