🔗 Share this article

During a public appearance to a cathedral in Staffordshire on the start of the week, the King was confronted by a protester who asked him about Prince Andrew's relationship with disgraced financier Epstein.

The individual inquired how long the King had been aware about his brother's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the authorities to "hide" for Prince Andrew.

Despite the protest, there were throngs of well-wishers and cheers for the King, who was in Staffordshire for an event.

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

"How long have you known about Andrew and Epstein? Did you request the police to cover up for him?"

The monarch did not respond but continued greeting fans, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One fan can be heard asking him for a hug.

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

Controversy Reignited by Posthumous Publication

The scandal over the Duke of York's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been revived by sexual abuse claims detailed in Virginia Giuffre's recently released book.

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

Prince Andrew, who agreed to a out-of-court agreement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not recall meeting her "ever", and that they "did not have any sort of sexual contact."

Fresh Questions About Lifestyle and Living Arrangements

But recently, fresh questions have been raised about how he is able to fund his way of life despite not being a working royal.

The disclosure that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Royal Lodge has heightened the examination over his housing situation - even though he made large payments up front, including for renovations.

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

But last Thursday, the government 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 move out of his current residence - or where he might reside.

Associated Issues

• The Duke of York
• UK Royal Family
• King Charles III