🔗 Share this article

In the course of a public appearance to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday, King Charles was heckled by a individual who questioned him about Prince Andrew's links with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The man asked how long the monarch had been aware about his brother's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had instructed the police to "hide" for Andrew.

Despite the protest, there were large groups of well-wishers and applause for the monarch, who was in Staffordshire for an engagement.

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

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

The monarch ignored the questions but continued greeting fans, some of whom shouted "God Save The King". One supporter can be heard asking him for a embrace.

A female bystander outside the cathedral was also heard telling the protester to "leave" and to "shut up".

Scandal Reignited by Posthumous Publication

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

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

Andrew, who agreed to a out-of-court agreement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has repeatedly 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 sexual contact."

New Inquiries About Lifestyle and Living Arrangements

But recently, fresh questions have been asked about how he is able to fund his lifestyle despite not being a working royal.

The disclosure that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Royal Lodge has intensified the scrutiny over his housing situation - even though he made significant contributions initially, including for renovations.

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

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

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

Associated Issues

• Prince Andrew
• UK Royal Family
• King Charles III