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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 links with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The individual inquired how long the King had been aware about his sibling's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had asked the police to "conceal" for Prince Andrew.

Despite the heckling, there were large groups of fans and applause for the King, who was visiting the region for an ceremony.

The Duke of York's associations with Jeffrey Epstein have been under close examination in recent weeks. The prince, who gave up his titles earlier this month, has categorically denied any misconduct.

"For how long have you known about Andrew and Epstein? Have you asked the police to cover up for Andrew?"

The monarch did not respond but carried on greeting supporters, some of whom shouted "God Save The King". One fan can be heard requesting him for a embrace.

Another woman outside the venue was also heard telling the heckler to "go away" and to "be quiet".

Controversy Reignited by Memoir

The scandal over Prince Andrew's connections to Epstein has been brought back into focus by misconduct claims detailed in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published book.

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

Andrew, who agreed to a out-of-court agreement with the plaintiff in 2022, has repeatedly denied any misconduct. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting Ms Giuffre "at all", and that they "never had any sort of intimate relations."

New Inquiries Over Finances 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 token annual rent on his Windsor mansion has intensified the scrutiny over his housing situation - even though he made significant contributions up front, including for renovations.

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

But last Thursday, the authorities declined to give parliamentarians time to debate the royal's status or his residence, despite growing pressure for investigation.

Buckingham Palace has not issued a statement on whether the Duke of York might relocate of his current residence - or where he might go.

Related Topics

• Prince Andrew
• UK Royal Family
• King Charles III