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In the course of a engagement to a cathedral in Staffordshire on the start of the week, King Charles was confronted by a protester who questioned him about Prince Andrew's relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The individual demanded to know how long the monarch had been aware about his brother's association with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had asked the authorities to "conceal" for Prince Andrew.

Amid the protest, there were throngs of fans and applause for the monarch, who was in Staffordshire for an ceremony.

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

"How long have you been aware about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Did you request the police to cover up for Andrew?"

The monarch remained silent but carried on meeting supporters, some of whom chanted "God Save The King". One fan can be overheard asking him for a hug.

A female bystander outside the cathedral was also observed telling the heckler to "leave" and to "shut up".

Controversy Reignited by Posthumous Publication

The scandal over Prince Andrew's connections to Epstein has been reignited by misconduct allegations detailed in Virginia Giuffre's recently released memoir.

In the publication, the accuser claims she had sex with the royal on three separate occasions, including once with Jeffrey Epstein and "several other minors"

Prince Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not recall meeting her "ever", and that they "did not have any sort of intimate relations."

Fresh Questions Over Finances and Living Arrangements

But in recent times, fresh questions have been raised about how he is able to fund his way of life 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 improvements.

The Liberal Democrats said he should be summoned front of MPs to give evidence about his lease of his lodge.

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

The royal household has not commented on whether the Duke of York might move out of his current residence - or where he might reside.

Related Topics

• Prince Andrew
• British Monarchy
• King Charles III