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

The individual inquired how long the monarch had been known about his sibling's relationship with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had instructed the authorities to "conceal" for Prince Andrew.

Amid the heckling, there were throngs of well-wishers and applause for the monarch, who was in Staffordshire for an engagement.

The Duke of York's links with Jeffrey Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks. The prince, who relinquished his titles earlier this month, has categorically denied any wrongdoing.

"How long have you known about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Did you request the police to cover up for him?"

The King remained silent but carried on meeting fans, some of whom chanted "God Save The King". One fan can be overheard requesting him for a embrace.

Another woman outside the cathedral was also heard telling the heckler to "leave" and to "shut up".

Controversy Revived by Memoir

The scandal over Prince Andrew's connections to Epstein has been revived by sexual abuse allegations detailed in Virginia Giuffre's recently released book.

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

Prince Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with the plaintiff in 2022, has repeatedly denied any misconduct. In 2019, he told a news program he did not recall meeting her "at all", and that they "did not have any sort of sexual contact."

New Inquiries About Lifestyle and Living Arrangements

But recently, fresh questions 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 intensified the examination over his living arrangements - even though he made significant contributions up front, including for improvements.

The political party said he should be called in front of MPs to give testimony about his lease of his residence.

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

Buckingham Palace has not commented on whether the Duke of York might move out of his home - or where he might go.

Related Topics

• Prince Andrew
• UK Royal Family
• King Charles III