🔗 Share this article

During a public appearance to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, the King was shouted at by a man who asked him about Prince Andrew's relationship with convicted sex offender Epstein.

The protester asked how long the King had been known about his sibling's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had asked the authorities to "conceal" for Prince Andrew.

Despite the protest, there were throngs of well-wishers and cheers for the monarch, who was visiting the region for an engagement.

The Duke of York's links with Jeffrey Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in the past few weeks. The prince, who relinquished his royal duties earlier this month, has categorically denied any wrongdoing.

"How long have you known about Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Did you request the police to conceal for him?"

The King did not respond but carried on meeting fans, some of whom chanted "God Save The King". One supporter can be heard requesting him for a hug.

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

Controversy Reignited by Posthumous Publication

The controversy over the Duke of York's links to Epstein has been revived by sexual abuse claims detailed in Ms. Giuffre's posthumously-published book.

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

Andrew, who agreed to a out-of-court agreement with the plaintiff in 2022, has repeatedly denied any misconduct. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not recall meeting Ms Giuffre "ever", and that they "never had any sort of sexual contact."

New Inquiries 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 Windsor mansion has heightened the scrutiny over his living arrangements - even though he made significant contributions up front, including for renovations.

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

But last Thursday, the authorities refused to give parliamentarians time to debate the royal's status or his residence, despite increasing calls for investigation.

Buckingham Palace has not commented on whether the Duke of York might relocate of his current residence - or where he might go.

Associated Issues

• The Duke of York
• UK Royal Family
• The Monarch