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In the course of a public appearance to a cathedral in Staffordshire on the start of the week, the King was confronted by a protester who asked him about Prince Andrew's relationship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The man demanded to know 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 "cover up" for Andrew.

Amid the heckling, there were throngs of well-wishers and cheers for the King, who was visiting Staffordshire for an engagement.

The Duke of York's links with Epstein have been under close examination in recent weeks. The prince, who relinquished his titles earlier this month, has strongly denied any misconduct.

"For how long have you been aware about Andrew and Epstein? Have you asked the authorities to conceal for Andrew?"

The King remained silent but continued meeting fans, some of whom shouted "God Save The King". One supporter can be overheard asking him for a embrace.

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

Controversy Reignited by Posthumous Publication

The scandal over Prince Andrew's connections to Epstein has been reignited by misconduct allegations repeated in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published memoir.

In the memoir, Ms Giuffre alleges she had sexual encounters with the prince on multiple times, including once with Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has repeatedly denied any misconduct. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting her "at all", and that they "never had any sort of sexual contact."

Fresh Questions About 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 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 members of parliament to give evidence about his lease of his lodge.

But last Thursday, the authorities refused to give MPs time to debate the prince's titles or his home, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.

Buckingham Palace has not issued a statement on whether Prince Andrew might relocate of his current residence - or where he might go.

Related Topics

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