The Monarch Confronts Protest Over Prince Andrew's Epstein Ties

In the course of a engagement to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, the King was confronted by a man who questioned him about his brother's links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The protester demanded to know how long the monarch had been aware about his sibling's relationship with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had asked the police to "hide" for Andrew.

Amid the protest, there were crowds of fans and applause for the monarch, who was visiting Staffordshire for an ceremony.

The Duke of York's links with Epstein have been under renewed focus in the past few weeks. The prince, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any misconduct.

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

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

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

Controversy Reignited by Posthumous Publication

The controversy over Prince Andrew's connections to Epstein has been brought back into focus by sexual abuse allegations repeated in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published memoir.

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

Andrew, who reached a financial settlement with the plaintiff in recent years, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. In a previous interview, he told a news program he did not remember meeting Ms Giuffre "at all", and that they "never had any sort of intimate relations."

Fresh Questions Over Finances and Housing

But in recent times, new inquiries have been asked about how he is able to finance his way of life despite not being a active member of the royal family.

The disclosure that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Windsor mansion has intensified the scrutiny over his living arrangements - even though he made large payments initially, including for improvements.

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

But last week, the government declined to give MPs time to discuss the royal's titles or his residence, despite increasing calls for scrutiny.

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

Associated Issues

  • The Duke of York
  • British Monarchy
  • King Charles III
Anthony Thompson
Anthony Thompson

Travel enthusiast and writer passionate about exploring Austria's hidden gems and sharing authentic travel experiences.