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In the course of a engagement to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday, the King was shouted at by a individual who questioned him about his brother's links with disgraced financier Epstein.

The protester asked how long the monarch had been known about his brother's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had instructed the authorities to "cover up" for Prince Andrew.

Amid the heckling, there were crowds of supporters and applause for the King, who was visiting the region for an event.

The Duke of York's links with Jeffrey Epstein have been under close examination in the past few weeks. The prince, who relinquished his titles earlier this month, has strongly denied any misconduct.

"For how long have you known about Andrew and Epstein? Have you asked the authorities to cover up for him?"

The monarch ignored the questions but carried on greeting fans, some of whom shouted "Long live the King". One supporter can be heard requesting him for a hug.

Another woman outside the venue was also heard telling the protester to "go away" and to "shut up".

Controversy Reignited by Memoir

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

In the publication, the accuser claims she had sexual encounters with the prince on multiple times, including one instance with Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Andrew, who agreed to a out-of-court agreement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting Ms Giuffre "ever", and that they "never had any sort of sexual contact."

New Inquiries Over Lifestyle and Living Arrangements

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

The disclosure that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Royal Lodge has intensified the scrutiny over his living arrangements - even though he made large payments initially, including for renovations.

The political party said he should be called in before MPs to give testimony about his rental agreement of his residence.

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

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

Related Topics

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