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In the course of a visit to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, the King was confronted by a protester who asked him about Prince Andrew's relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The protester demanded to know how long the King had been aware about his brother's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had asked the police to "conceal" for Prince Andrew.

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

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

"How long have you been aware about Andrew and Epstein? Have you asked the authorities to cover up for Andrew?"

The King remained silent but continued greeting supporters, some of whom chanted "God Save The King". One supporter can be heard requesting him for a embrace.

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

Controversy Reignited by Posthumous Publication

The scandal over the Duke of York's links to Epstein has been brought back into focus by misconduct allegations detailed in Virginia Giuffre's recently released memoir.

In the publication, Ms Giuffre alleges she had sexual encounters with the royal on three separate occasions, including once with Epstein and "several other minors"

Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with the plaintiff in 2022, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting her "ever", and that they "did not have any sort of intimate relations."

Fresh Questions About Lifestyle 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 token annual rent on his Royal Lodge has heightened the scrutiny over his living arrangements - even though he made significant contributions initially, including for renovations.

The Liberal Democrats said he should be called in front of MPs to give testimony about his rental agreement of his lodge.

But last week, the government declined to give parliamentarians time to debate 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 current residence - or where he might go.

Related Topics

• Prince Andrew
• UK Royal Family
• King Charles III