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

The man inquired how long the monarch had been known about his brother's association with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had instructed the authorities to "cover up" for Prince Andrew.

Despite the heckling, there were crowds of well-wishers and cheers for the monarch, who was in the region for an event.

Prince Andrew's connections with Jeffrey Epstein have been under close examination in the past few weeks. The royal, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has categorically denied any wrongdoing.

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

The King remained silent but continued meeting supporters, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One supporter can be overheard asking him for a embrace.

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

Controversy Revived by Posthumous Publication

The scandal over Prince Andrew's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been revived by sexual abuse claims repeated in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published memoir.

In the memoir, Ms Giuffre claims she had sexual encounters with the royal on three separate occasions, including one instance with Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Prince Andrew, who reached a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has consistently denied any misconduct. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting her "at all", and that they "did not have any sort of sexual contact."

New Inquiries About Finances and Housing

But in recent times, fresh questions have been raised 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 Royal Lodge has heightened the examination over his living arrangements - even though he made significant contributions initially, including for improvements.

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

But last week, the authorities refused to give MPs time to debate the prince's status or his residence, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.

The royal household has not issued a statement on whether the Duke of York might move out of his current residence - or where he might reside.

Related Topics

• Prince Andrew
• British Monarchy
• King Charles III