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During a engagement to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, the King was heckled by a individual who asked him about his brother's connections with convicted sex offender Epstein.

The protester inquired how long the monarch had been known about his sibling's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the police to "cover up" for Andrew.

Amid the heckling, there were crowds of fans and applause for the monarch, who was in the region for an ceremony.

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

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

The King ignored the questions but carried on greeting fans, some of whom chanted "God Save The King". One fan can be heard asking him for a hug.

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

Controversy Revived by Memoir

The controversy over the Duke of York's connections to Epstein has been reignited by sexual abuse claims detailed in Virginia Giuffre's recently released memoir.

In the publication, the accuser alleges she had sexual encounters with the royal on three separate occasions, including once with Jeffrey Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Prince Andrew, who reached a financial settlement with the plaintiff in recent years, has consistently denied any misconduct. In 2019, he told a news program he did not remember meeting Ms Giuffre "ever", and that they "never had any sort of sexual contact."

New Inquiries Over Finances and Living Arrangements

But recently, new inquiries have been raised about how he is able to fund his way of life despite not being a active member of the royal family.

The disclosure that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Windsor mansion has heightened the scrutiny over his living arrangements - even though he made large payments initially, including for renovations.

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

But last Thursday, the authorities declined to give parliamentarians time to discuss the prince's titles or his home, despite increasing calls for scrutiny.

Buckingham Palace has not commented on whether Prince Andrew might relocate of his home - or where he might reside.

Related Topics

• Prince Andrew
• British Monarchy
• King Charles III