The Monarch Faces Protest Over Prince Andrew's Jeffrey Epstein Links

In the course of a public appearance to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday, the King was heckled by a protester who asked him about his brother's relationship with convicted sex offender Epstein.

The protester asked how long the King had been aware about his sibling's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the police to "hide" for Andrew.

Despite the heckling, there were large groups of supporters and applause for the monarch, who was visiting Staffordshire for an ceremony.

Prince Andrew's links with Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in the past few weeks. The prince, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has strongly denied any wrongdoing.

"For how long have you been aware about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Have you asked the police to cover up for him?"

The King did not respond but continued meeting fans, some of whom shouted "Long live the King". One supporter can be heard asking him for a hug.

Another woman outside the cathedral was also observed telling the protester to "go away" and to "be quiet".

Scandal Reignited by Posthumous Publication

The scandal over the Duke of York's links to Epstein has been reignited by misconduct allegations repeated in Ms. Giuffre's recently released memoir.

In the memoir, Ms Giuffre alleges she had sex with the prince on multiple times, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told a news program he did not recall meeting her "at all", and that they "did not have any sort of intimate relations."

New Inquiries Over Finances and Living Arrangements

But in recent times, new inquiries have been raised about how he is able to fund 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 living arrangements - even though he made significant contributions up front, including for improvements.

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

But last Thursday, the government refused to give parliamentarians time to discuss the prince's titles or his home, despite increasing calls for investigation.

Buckingham Palace has not commented on whether the Duke of York might move out of his home - or where he might go.

Associated Issues

  • Prince Andrew
  • UK Royal Family
  • King Charles III
Taylor Gutierrez
Taylor Gutierrez

A Dutch financial analyst passionate about helping expats and locals navigate personal finance in the Netherlands.