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

The individual demanded to know how long the King had been aware about his brother's relationship with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had instructed the authorities to "cover up" for Andrew.

Amid the heckling, there were large groups of fans and applause for the monarch, who was visiting Staffordshire for an engagement.

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

"How long have you been aware about Andrew and Epstein? Did you request the police to conceal for Andrew?"

The monarch did not respond but carried on meeting supporters, some of whom chanted "God Save The King". One fan can be overheard requesting him for a hug.

A female bystander outside the venue was also observed telling the protester to "go away" and to "be quiet".

Scandal Reignited by Memoir

The controversy over the Duke of York's connections to Jeffrey Epstein has been reignited by misconduct allegations repeated in Virginia Giuffre's recently released memoir.

In the publication, the accuser claims she had sexual encounters with the prince on three separate occasions, including once with Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not recall meeting her "ever", and that they "never had any sort of sexual contact."

Fresh Questions Over Finances and Living Arrangements

But recently, new inquiries have been raised about how he is able to fund his lifestyle despite not being a active member of the royal family.

The disclosure that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Royal Lodge has heightened the examination over his housing situation - even though he made significant contributions initially, including for improvements.

The political party said he should be summoned before members of parliament to give testimony about his lease of his lodge.

But last Thursday, the authorities declined to give MPs time to debate the royal's status or his residence, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.

The royal household has not commented on whether the Duke of York might relocate of his home - or where he might go.

Related Topics

• The Duke of York
• UK Royal Family
• King Charles III