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In the course of a public appearance to a cathedral in Staffordshire on Monday, King Charles was shouted at by a individual who questioned him about Prince Andrew's links with disgraced financier Epstein.

The protester demanded to know how long the King had been known about his brother's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had asked the authorities to "hide" for Andrew.

Despite the heckling, there were throngs of supporters and applause for the monarch, who was in the region for an ceremony.

The Duke of York's connections with Jeffrey Epstein have been under close examination in the past few weeks. The royal, who gave up his titles earlier this month, has strongly denied any wrongdoing.

"How long have you known about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Did you request the police to conceal for Andrew?"

The King ignored the questions but continued meeting fans, some of whom shouted "Long live the King". One fan can be overheard requesting him for a embrace.

Another woman outside the venue was also heard telling the heckler to "go away" and to "be quiet".

Scandal Reignited by Posthumous Publication

The controversy over Prince Andrew's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been reignited by sexual abuse allegations repeated in Virginia Giuffre's recently released book.

In the publication, the accuser says she had sexual encounters with the royal on three separate occasions, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Prince Andrew, who reached a financial settlement with the plaintiff in 2022, has repeatedly denied any misconduct. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not recall meeting Ms Giuffre "ever", and that they "did not have any sort of intimate relations."

Fresh Questions Over Lifestyle and Housing

But in recent times, fresh questions have been raised about how he is able to fund his lifestyle despite not being a active member of the royal family.

The revelation that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Royal Lodge has intensified the scrutiny over his housing situation - even though he made significant contributions up front, including for improvements.

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

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

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

Related Topics

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