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In the course of a engagement to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday, the King was heckled by a protester who questioned him about Prince Andrew's connections with convicted sex offender Epstein.

The individual asked how long the King had been aware about his brother's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the police to "hide" for Andrew.

Despite the protest, there were throngs of fans and applause for the monarch, who was visiting Staffordshire for an ceremony.

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

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

The King did not respond but carried on greeting fans, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One fan can be overheard asking him for a hug.

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

Scandal Revived by Posthumous Publication

The controversy over Prince Andrew's connections to Epstein has been brought back into focus by sexual abuse claims repeated in Ms. Giuffre's posthumously-published memoir.

In the publication, Ms Giuffre alleges she had sexual encounters with the prince on multiple times, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Prince Andrew, who agreed to a out-of-court agreement with the plaintiff in 2022, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not recall meeting her "at all", and that they "did not have any sort of sexual contact."

New Inquiries Over Finances and Living Arrangements

But recently, new inquiries have been asked about how he is able to finance his lifestyle despite not being a working royal.

The revelation 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 initially, including for renovations.

The political party said he should be called in before members of parliament to give evidence about his lease of his lodge.

But last Thursday, the authorities declined to give parliamentarians time to discuss the prince's status or his residence, despite growing pressure for investigation.

Buckingham Palace has not commented on whether Prince Andrew might move out of his current residence - or where he might reside.

Related Topics

• Prince Andrew
• British Monarchy
• The Monarch