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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 questioned him about Prince Andrew's relationship with disgraced financier Epstein.

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

Amid the protest, there were large groups of fans and cheers for the monarch, who was in Staffordshire for an event.

Prince Andrew's connections with Epstein have been under renewed focus in the past few weeks. The prince, who gave up his titles earlier this month, has categorically denied any wrongdoing.

"How long have you been aware about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Have you asked the police to conceal for him?"

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

Another woman outside the venue was also observed telling the heckler to "leave" and to "shut up".

Scandal Reignited by Posthumous Publication

The scandal over the Duke of York's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been revived by misconduct claims detailed in Virginia Giuffre's recently released book.

In the memoir, the accuser says she had sex with the royal on three separate occasions, including once with Jeffrey Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Prince Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with the plaintiff in 2022, has consistently denied any misconduct. In 2019, he told a news program he did not recall meeting her "at all", and that they "did not have any sort of intimate relations."

New Inquiries About Lifestyle and Living Arrangements

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

The revelation that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Royal Lodge has heightened the scrutiny over his living arrangements - even though he made large payments initially, including for renovations.

The Liberal Democrats said he should be called in front of members of parliament to give evidence about his rental agreement of his lodge.

But last week, the government declined to give MPs time to discuss the prince's status or his residence, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.

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

Associated Issues

• Prince Andrew
• British Monarchy
• The Monarch