🔗 Share this article

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

The man asked how long the King had been known about his sibling's relationship with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had instructed the authorities to "hide" for Prince Andrew.

Amid the heckling, there were large groups of well-wishers and cheers for the King, who was visiting Staffordshire for an engagement.

Prince Andrew's connections with Jeffrey Epstein have been under renewed focus in recent weeks. The prince, who relinquished his titles earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

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

The monarch remained silent but carried on meeting supporters, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One supporter can be overheard asking him for a embrace.

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

Controversy Revived by Posthumous Publication

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

In the memoir, Ms Giuffre alleges she had sexual encounters with the prince on three separate occasions, including once with Jeffrey Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has consistently denied any misconduct. In 2019, he told a news program he did not recall meeting Ms Giuffre "ever", and that they "never had any sort of sexual contact."

Fresh Questions About Finances and Living Arrangements

But in recent times, new inquiries have been raised about how he is able to fund his lifestyle despite not being a working royal.

The disclosure that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Windsor mansion has heightened the examination over his living arrangements - even though he made large payments up front, including for renovations.

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

But last Thursday, the government refused to give parliamentarians time to discuss the royal's status or his residence, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.

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

Associated Issues

• The Duke of York
• British Monarchy
• King Charles III