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During a public appearance to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday, the King was heckled by a individual who questioned him about his brother's links with disgraced financier Epstein.

The individual asked how long the King had been known about his brother's association with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had instructed the authorities to "hide" for Andrew.

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

The Duke of York's connections with Epstein have been under renewed focus in the past few weeks. The prince, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has categorically denied any wrongdoing.

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

The monarch did not respond but carried on meeting fans, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One fan can be overheard asking him for a hug.

A female bystander outside the cathedral was also heard telling the protester to "go away" and to "be quiet".

Controversy Revived by Memoir

The scandal over the Duke of York's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been revived by sexual abuse allegations detailed in Ms. Giuffre's posthumously-published book.

In the memoir, Ms Giuffre says she had sex with the prince on three separate occasions, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "several other minors"

Andrew, who reached a financial settlement with the plaintiff in recent years, has repeatedly denied any misconduct. In 2019, he told a news program he did not recall meeting Ms Giuffre "ever", and that they "never had any sort of sexual contact."

Fresh Questions About 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 active member of the royal family.

The revelation that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Royal Lodge has intensified the scrutiny over his housing situation - even though he made significant contributions up front, including for renovations.

The political party said he should be called in front of members of parliament to give testimony about his lease of his residence.

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

Buckingham Palace has not issued a statement on whether the Duke of York might relocate of his home - or where he might go.

Related Topics

• Prince Andrew
• British Monarchy
• The Monarch