🔗 Share this article

During a visit to a cathedral in Staffordshire on the start of the week, the King was heckled by a individual who questioned him about Prince Andrew's relationship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

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

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

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

"For how long have you known about Andrew and Epstein? Have you asked the police to conceal for him?"

The King did not respond but continued greeting supporters, some of whom shouted "Long live the King". One fan can be heard asking him for a hug.

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

Controversy Revived by Memoir

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

In the publication, the accuser says she had sexual encounters with the prince on three separate occasions, including once with Epstein and "several other minors"

Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with the plaintiff in 2022, has consistently denied any misconduct. In a previous interview, he told a news program he did not recall meeting Ms Giuffre "at all", and that they "never had any sort of sexual contact."

Fresh Questions About Lifestyle and Living Arrangements

But in recent times, fresh questions have been raised about how he is able to fund his lifestyle despite not being a active member of the royal family.

The disclosure that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Royal Lodge has intensified the scrutiny over his living arrangements - even though he made large payments up front, including for improvements.

The Liberal Democrats said he should be called in before members of parliament to give testimony about his rental agreement of his lodge.

But last Thursday, the authorities refused to give MPs time to debate the prince's titles or his home, despite growing pressure for investigation.

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

Related Topics

• Prince Andrew
• British Monarchy
• King Charles III