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In the course of a visit to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday, the King was heckled by a individual who asked him about Prince Andrew's relationship with disgraced financier Epstein.

The protester asked how long the King had been known about his brother's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the authorities to "cover up" for Andrew.

Despite the protest, there were throngs of fans and cheers for the King, who was in the region for an engagement.

The Duke of York's associations with Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks. The prince, who relinquished his royal duties earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

"How long have you been aware about Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Have you asked the authorities to cover up for him?"

The King ignored the questions but continued greeting supporters, some of whom chanted "God Save The King". One supporter can be overheard requesting him for a hug.

Another woman outside the venue was also heard telling the protester to "go away" and to "shut up".

Scandal Reignited by Posthumous Publication

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

In the publication, the accuser claims she had sexual encounters with the prince on multiple times, including once with Jeffrey Epstein and "several other minors"

Prince Andrew, who agreed to a out-of-court agreement with the plaintiff in 2022, has consistently 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 sexual contact."

New Inquiries Over Finances and Housing

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

The revelation that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Windsor mansion has heightened the scrutiny over his housing situation - even though he made significant contributions up front, including for improvements.

The Liberal Democrats said he should be summoned before members of parliament to give testimony about his rental agreement of his lodge.

But last week, the government refused to give MPs time to discuss the royal's status or his home, despite growing pressure for investigation.

The royal household has not commented on whether Prince Andrew might move out of his home - or where he might reside.

Related Topics

• Prince Andrew
• UK Royal Family
• King Charles III