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During 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 relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The man inquired how long the monarch had been known about his sibling's relationship with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had asked the police to "hide" for Andrew.

Despite the heckling, there were throngs of well-wishers and cheers for the monarch, who was visiting the region for an ceremony.

Prince Andrew's associations with Jeffrey Epstein have been under close examination in recent weeks. The prince, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has categorically denied any misconduct.

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

The monarch remained silent but carried on greeting fans, some of whom shouted "Long live the King". One supporter can be overheard requesting him for a embrace.

Another woman outside the cathedral was also heard telling the heckler to "leave" and to "be quiet".

Scandal Reignited by Memoir

The controversy over the Duke of York's connections to Epstein has been brought back into focus by sexual abuse claims detailed in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published memoir.

In the memoir, the accuser says she had sex with the prince on three separate occasions, including one instance with Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Prince Andrew, who reached a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told a news program he did not remember meeting her "ever", and that they "never had any sort of intimate relations."

New Inquiries Over Finances and Housing

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 revelation that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Royal Lodge 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 called in front of members of parliament to give testimony about his rental agreement of his lodge.

But last week, the government declined to give parliamentarians time to debate the royal's status or his residence, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.

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

Associated Issues

• The Duke of York
• British Monarchy
• King Charles III