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During a visit to a cathedral in Staffordshire on the start of the week, the King was shouted at by a man who asked him about Prince Andrew's connections with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

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

Despite the heckling, there were crowds of well-wishers and applause for the monarch, who was in Staffordshire for an engagement.

The Duke of York's connections with Jeffrey Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks. The prince, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

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

The King did not respond but carried on greeting supporters, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One fan can be overheard requesting him for a hug.

Another woman outside the cathedral was also observed telling the protester to "go away" and to "be quiet".

Controversy Revived by Posthumous Publication

The controversy over Prince Andrew's connections to Epstein has been brought back into focus by misconduct allegations repeated in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published memoir.

In the memoir, the accuser claims she had sexual encounters with the royal on multiple times, including once with Epstein and "several other minors"

Prince Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has consistently denied any misconduct. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not recall meeting her "at all", and that they "did not have any sort of sexual contact."

Fresh Questions About Finances and Housing

But in recent times, fresh questions have been raised about how he is able to finance his way of life despite not being a working royal.

The disclosure that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Royal Lodge has heightened the scrutiny over his housing situation - even though he made large payments up front, including for improvements.

The political party said he should be summoned front of MPs to give testimony about his rental agreement of his lodge.

But last Thursday, the government refused to give parliamentarians time to debate the prince's status or his home, despite growing pressure for investigation.

The royal household has not commented on whether Prince Andrew might move out of his home - or where he might go.

Related Topics

• The Duke of York
• British Monarchy
• The Monarch