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During a visit to a cathedral in Staffordshire on Monday, King Charles was heckled by a protester who asked him about his brother's connections 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 asked the police to "hide" for Andrew.

Amid the heckling, there were crowds of well-wishers and applause for the King, who was visiting the region for an ceremony.

Prince Andrew's associations with Epstein have been under close examination in recent weeks. The prince, who gave up his titles earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any misconduct.

"For how long have you been aware about Andrew and Epstein? Have you asked the police to cover up for him?"

The King ignored the questions but carried on meeting supporters, some of whom shouted "God Save The King". One fan can be heard requesting him for a hug.

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

Scandal Revived by Posthumous Publication

The controversy over the Duke of York's links to Epstein has been brought back into focus by misconduct allegations repeated in Virginia Giuffre's recently released book.

In the memoir, the accuser says she had sexual encounters with the prince on three separate occasions, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Prince Andrew, who agreed to a out-of-court agreement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has consistently denied any misconduct. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting her "ever", and that they "did not have any sort of intimate relations."

Fresh Questions About Finances and Living Arrangements

But recently, fresh questions have been asked 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 living arrangements - even though he made significant contributions initially, including for improvements.

The Liberal Democrats said he should be called in front of members of parliament to give testimony about his rental agreement of his residence.

But last Thursday, the authorities declined to give MPs time to discuss the royal's titles or his home, despite growing pressure for investigation.

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

Related Topics

• The Duke of York
• UK Royal Family
• King Charles III