The Monarch Confronts Protest Over Prince Andrew's Epstein Links

In the course of a engagement to a cathedral in Staffordshire on Monday, the King was shouted at by a man who asked him about Prince Andrew's connections with convicted sex offender Epstein.

The individual inquired how long the King had been aware about his sibling's relationship with Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the police to "cover up" for Prince Andrew.

Despite the protest, there were crowds of supporters and applause for the King, who was in Staffordshire for an ceremony.

Prince Andrew's links with Jeffrey Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks. The prince, who relinquished his titles earlier this month, has strongly denied any wrongdoing.

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

The King remained silent but continued meeting fans, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One supporter can be heard asking him for a embrace.

Another woman outside the cathedral was also heard telling the protester to "go away" and to "shut up".

Controversy Revived by Posthumous Publication

The scandal over Prince Andrew's links to Epstein has been revived by sexual abuse allegations repeated in Virginia Giuffre's recently released book.

In the publication, the accuser says she had sex with the royal on multiple times, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "several other minors"

Prince Andrew, who agreed to a out-of-court agreement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told a news program he did not recall meeting her "ever", and that they "did not have any sort of intimate relations."

New Inquiries About Lifestyle and Housing

But recently, 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 revelation that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Royal Lodge has intensified the examination over his living arrangements - even though he made significant contributions up front, including for improvements.

The political party said he should be called in front of members of parliament to give testimony about his rental agreement of his lodge.

But last week, the authorities declined to give parliamentarians time to discuss the prince's titles or his home, 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 reside.

Associated Issues

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