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In the course of a visit to a cathedral in Staffordshire on Monday, King Charles was confronted by a protester who asked him about Prince Andrew's relationship with disgraced financier Epstein.

The man inquired how long the monarch had been aware about his brother's relationship with Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the authorities to "cover up" for Andrew.

Amid the protest, there were throngs of fans and applause for the monarch, who was visiting Staffordshire for an event.

Prince Andrew's links with Epstein have been under renewed focus in recent weeks. The royal, who relinquished his titles earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

"For how long have you been aware about Prince Andrew and Epstein? Did you request the authorities to cover up for him?"

The King did not respond but carried on greeting fans, some of whom shouted "God Save The King". One supporter can be heard asking him for a embrace.

A female bystander outside the cathedral was also heard telling the heckler to "go away" and to "shut up".

Scandal Reignited by Posthumous Publication

The controversy over Prince Andrew's links to Epstein has been revived by sexual abuse allegations detailed in Virginia Giuffre's recently released memoir.

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

Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In a previous interview, he told a news program he did not recall meeting her "ever", and that they "never had any sort of intimate relations."

Fresh Questions About Lifestyle and Living Arrangements

But in recent times, fresh questions 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 token annual rent on his Windsor mansion has heightened the examination over his housing situation - even though he made large payments up front, including for improvements.

The Liberal Democrats said he should be called in front of members of parliament to give evidence about his lease of his lodge.

But last week, the government refused to give MPs time to debate the royal's titles or his residence, despite increasing calls for investigation.

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

Related Topics

• The Duke of York
• British Monarchy
• King Charles III