🔗 Share this article

During a public appearance to a cathedral in Staffordshire on the start of the week, King Charles was heckled by a individual who asked him about his brother's connections with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The individual asked how long the monarch had been aware about his sibling's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the authorities to "hide" for Andrew.

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

Prince Andrew's connections with 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.

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

The King did not respond but carried on greeting supporters, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One fan can be heard requesting him for a hug.

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

Scandal Revived by Memoir

The controversy over Prince Andrew's links to Epstein has been revived by sexual abuse allegations repeated in Ms. Giuffre's posthumously-published memoir.

In the publication, the accuser says she had sex with the prince on three separate occasions, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Prince Andrew, who reached a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not recall meeting her "ever", and that they "never had any sort of intimate relations."

New Inquiries Over Finances and Housing

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

The revelation 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 significant contributions initially, including for renovations.

The Liberal Democrats said he should be summoned front of MPs to give evidence about his lease of his lodge.

But last week, the authorities refused to give parliamentarians time to debate the royal's titles or his home, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.

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

Associated Issues

• Prince Andrew
• British Monarchy
• King Charles III