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In the course of a public appearance to a cathedral in Staffordshire on Monday, the King was heckled by a protester who asked him about his brother's connections with convicted sex offender Epstein.

The protester asked how long the King had been aware about his sibling's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had asked the police to "conceal" for Andrew.

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

The Duke of York's associations with Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks. The prince, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has strongly denied any wrongdoing.

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

The King remained silent but continued meeting supporters, some of whom shouted "Long live the King". One supporter can be heard asking him for a hug.

A female bystander outside the cathedral was also heard telling the protester to "leave" and to "shut up".

Scandal Reignited by Posthumous Publication

The controversy over the Duke of York's connections to Epstein has been reignited by misconduct allegations repeated in Virginia Giuffre's recently released memoir.

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

Andrew, who reached a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not recall meeting her "at all", and that they "never had any sort of sexual contact."

Fresh Questions About Finances and Housing

But recently, fresh questions have been asked about how he is able to finance 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 housing situation - even though he made large payments initially, including for renovations.

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

But last week, the government refused to give MPs time to debate the prince'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 home - or where he might go.

Related Topics

• The Duke of York
• British Monarchy
• The Monarch