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During a visit to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, King Charles was heckled by a protester who asked him about Prince Andrew's connections with disgraced financier Epstein.

The protester asked how long the King had been aware about his sibling's relationship with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had asked the police to "cover up" for Andrew.

Despite the heckling, there were crowds of fans and applause for the monarch, who was visiting Staffordshire for an engagement.

The Duke of York's links with Epstein have been under close examination in recent weeks. The royal, who gave up his titles earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

"For how long have you known about Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Did you request the authorities to conceal for Andrew?"

The monarch ignored the questions but carried on greeting supporters, 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 observed telling the protester to "go away" and to "be quiet".

Controversy Revived by Posthumous Publication

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

In the memoir, the accuser alleges she had sex with the royal on multiple times, including once with Jeffrey Epstein and "several other minors"

Andrew, who agreed to a out-of-court agreement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has repeatedly denied any misconduct. In 2019, he told a news program he did not remember meeting her "at all", and that they "never had any sort of sexual contact."

New Inquiries About Finances and Living Arrangements

But in recent times, fresh questions have been asked about how he is able to fund his lifestyle despite not being a working royal.

The disclosure that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Windsor mansion has intensified the examination over his housing situation - even though he made large payments initially, including for renovations.

The political party said he should be summoned before MPs to give evidence about his lease of his residence.

But last Thursday, the government declined to give MPs time to discuss the prince's titles or his residence, despite increasing calls for investigation.

The royal household has not issued a statement on whether the Duke of York might relocate of his home - or where he might reside.

Related Topics

• Prince Andrew
• UK Royal Family
• The Monarch