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

The individual asked 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 "conceal" for Andrew.

Amid the heckling, there were large groups of well-wishers and cheers for the King, who was in Staffordshire for an ceremony.

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

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

The monarch remained silent but continued greeting fans, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One fan can be heard asking him for a embrace.

A female bystander 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 connections to Jeffrey Epstein has been brought back into focus by sexual abuse allegations detailed in Ms. Giuffre's recently released book.

In the publication, Ms Giuffre says she had sex with the royal on three separate occasions, including once with Jeffrey Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Prince Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with the plaintiff 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 "never had any sort of intimate relations."

Fresh Questions About Finances and Living Arrangements

But recently, new inquiries have been asked 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 nominal fee on his Windsor mansion has heightened the scrutiny over his housing situation - even though he made large payments initially, including for improvements.

The Liberal Democrats said he should be called in before MPs to give evidence about his lease of his residence.

But last Thursday, the authorities declined to give MPs time to debate the prince's titles or his home, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.

Buckingham Palace has not issued a statement on whether Prince Andrew might move out of his home - or where he might reside.

Related Topics

• Prince Andrew
• British Monarchy
• King Charles III