King Charles Encounters Protest Over His Brother's Jeffrey Epstein Ties

In the course of a public appearance to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday, King Charles was confronted by a protester who questioned him about his brother's links with disgraced financier Epstein.

The man demanded to know how long the King had been known about his sibling's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had asked the authorities to "cover up" for Andrew.

Despite the heckling, there were throngs of fans and applause for the monarch, who was visiting the region for an engagement.

The Duke of York's connections with Epstein have been under renewed focus in recent weeks. The prince, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has strongly denied any wrongdoing.

"For how long have you known about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Did you request the authorities to cover up for Andrew?"

The King ignored the questions but carried on greeting fans, some of whom shouted "Long live the King". One supporter can be overheard requesting him for a hug.

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

Controversy Revived by Posthumous Publication

The controversy over the Duke of York's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been reignited by sexual abuse claims detailed in Ms. Giuffre's recently released memoir.

In the publication, the accuser claims she had sexual encounters with the prince on multiple times, including one instance with Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Prince Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has consistently denied any misconduct. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not recall meeting her "at all", and that they "did not have any sort of sexual contact."

Fresh Questions About Lifestyle and Living Arrangements

But in recent times, 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 heightened the examination over his housing situation - even though he made large payments initially, including for improvements.

The political party said he should be called in front of MPs to give evidence about his rental agreement of his residence.

But last week, the government declined to give MPs time to discuss 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 current residence - or where he might go.

Related Topics

• Prince Andrew
• British Monarchy
• King Charles III