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In the course of a public appearance to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday, the King was heckled by a individual who questioned him about Prince Andrew's relationship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The protester asked how long the monarch had been aware about his sibling's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the police to "cover up" for Andrew.

Amid the protest, there were crowds of fans and applause for the King, who was visiting Staffordshire for an ceremony.

Prince Andrew's connections with 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 misconduct.

"How long have you known about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Did you request the police to conceal for him?"

The monarch ignored the questions but carried on greeting fans, some of whom chanted "God Save The King". One supporter can be heard asking him for a hug.

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

Controversy Reignited by Posthumous Publication

The scandal over Prince Andrew's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been reignited by sexual abuse claims detailed in Ms. Giuffre's posthumously-published book.

In the publication, the accuser says she had sex with the royal on multiple times, including once with Jeffrey Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has repeatedly denied any misconduct. In a previous interview, he told a news program he did not recall meeting Ms Giuffre "at all", and that they "did not have any sort of intimate relations."

New Inquiries Over Finances and Housing

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

The revelation that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Windsor mansion has heightened the examination over his housing situation - even though he made significant contributions initially, including for renovations.

The Liberal Democrats said he should be summoned front of MPs to give testimony about his rental agreement of his residence.

But last Thursday, the government refused to give parliamentarians time to discuss the royal's status or his residence, despite increasing calls for scrutiny.

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

Related Topics

• Prince Andrew
• UK Royal Family
• King Charles III