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During a engagement to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday, the King was heckled by a protester who questioned him about Prince Andrew's connections with convicted sex offender Epstein.

The individual demanded to know how long the monarch had been aware about his brother's association with Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the authorities to "cover up" for Andrew.

Amid the protest, there were large groups of supporters and applause for the King, who was in the region for an engagement.

The Duke of York's links 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 wrongdoing.

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

The King did not respond but carried on greeting supporters, some of whom chanted "God Save The King". One fan can be overheard asking him for a hug.

A female bystander outside the venue was also heard telling the protester to "leave" and to "be quiet".

Scandal Reignited by Posthumous Publication

The controversy over Prince Andrew's connections to Epstein has been brought back into focus by sexual abuse allegations repeated in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published book.

In the publication, the accuser says she had sex with the prince on multiple times, including once with Jeffrey 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 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not recall meeting Ms Giuffre "ever", and that they "never had any sort of intimate relations."

Fresh Questions About Finances and Living Arrangements

But recently, new inquiries have been asked 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 nominal fee on his Royal Lodge has heightened the examination over his housing situation - even though he made significant contributions initially, including for renovations.

The political party said he should be summoned front of MPs to give testimony about his rental agreement of his lodge.

But last week, the authorities declined to give parliamentarians time to discuss the prince's status or his residence, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.

The royal household has not commented on whether Prince Andrew might relocate of his home - or where he might go.

Related Topics

• The Duke of York
• UK Royal Family
• The Monarch