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During a engagement to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday, King Charles was confronted by a man who asked him about Prince Andrew's links with disgraced financier Epstein.

The man inquired how long the King had been known about his sibling's association with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had instructed the authorities to "cover up" for Andrew.

Despite the heckling, there were crowds of supporters and applause for the King, who was visiting Staffordshire for an engagement.

Prince Andrew's associations with Epstein have been under close examination in the past few weeks. The royal, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

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

The monarch did not respond but carried on greeting fans, some of whom shouted "God Save The King". One fan can be heard requesting him for a hug.

A female bystander outside the venue was also heard telling the heckler to "leave" and to "be quiet".

Controversy Revived by Posthumous Publication

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

In the memoir, Ms Giuffre alleges she had sex 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 the plaintiff in recent years, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting Ms Giuffre "ever", and that they "never had any sort of intimate relations."

Fresh Questions About Lifestyle and Housing

But recently, new inquiries have been asked about how he is able to finance his way of life 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 examination over his housing situation - even though he made large payments up front, including for renovations.

The Liberal Democrats said he should be summoned before members of parliament to give evidence about his rental agreement of his lodge.

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

The royal household has not commented on whether Prince Andrew might move out of his current residence - or where he might go.

Related Topics

• The Duke of York
• UK Royal Family
• The Monarch