🔗 Share this article

In the course of a visit to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, King Charles was shouted at by a protester who asked him about Prince Andrew's links with disgraced financier Epstein.

The man inquired how long the King had been aware about his brother's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the authorities to "cover up" for Andrew.

Amid the heckling, there were throngs of supporters and cheers for the King, who was visiting Staffordshire for an event.

Prince Andrew's associations with Epstein have been under renewed focus in recent weeks. The prince, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has categorically denied any misconduct.

"For how long have you known about Prince Andrew and Epstein? Did you request the police to conceal for Andrew?"

The King ignored the questions but continued meeting supporters, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One supporter can be overheard asking him for a hug.

Another woman outside the cathedral was also heard telling the heckler to "leave" and to "shut up".

Scandal Revived by Posthumous Publication

The controversy over the Duke of York's links to Epstein has been revived by misconduct allegations detailed in Virginia Giuffre's recently released book.

In the publication, Ms Giuffre alleges she had sex with the prince on three separate occasions, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "several other minors"

Andrew, who reached a financial settlement with the plaintiff in recent years, has consistently denied any misconduct. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not recall meeting her "at all", and that they "never had any sort of intimate relations."

Fresh Questions About Lifestyle and Living Arrangements

But recently, fresh questions have been raised about how he is able to finance his way of life despite not being a working royal.

The disclosure that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Windsor mansion has intensified the scrutiny over his housing situation - even though he made large payments up front, including for renovations.

The political party said he should be summoned front of members of parliament to give testimony about his lease of his residence.

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

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

Related Topics

• Prince Andrew
• British Monarchy
• King Charles III