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During a public appearance to a cathedral in Staffordshire on the start of the week, King Charles was shouted at by a protester who questioned him about Prince Andrew's connections with disgraced financier Epstein.

The man inquired how long the King had been aware about his brother's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the authorities to "hide" for Prince Andrew.

Despite the heckling, there were throngs of well-wishers and cheers for the King, who was visiting the region for an ceremony.

The Duke of York's connections with Epstein have been under close examination in recent weeks. The prince, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has categorically denied any misconduct.

"For how long have you known about Andrew and Epstein? Have you asked the authorities to conceal for Andrew?"

The King remained silent but carried on meeting supporters, some of whom shouted "Long live the King". One fan can be heard asking him for a embrace.

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

Scandal Reignited by Memoir

The controversy over Prince Andrew's connections to Epstein has been revived by misconduct allegations repeated in Virginia Giuffre's recently released book.

In the memoir, the accuser alleges she had sexual encounters with the royal on multiple times, including one instance with Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Prince Andrew, who agreed to a out-of-court agreement with the plaintiff in 2022, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting her "at all", and that they "did not have any sort of sexual contact."

New Inquiries Over Finances and Living Arrangements

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

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

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

But last Thursday, the government refused to give parliamentarians time to debate the prince's status or his residence, despite increasing calls 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