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During a visit to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, the King was confronted by a protester who questioned him about Prince Andrew's links with convicted sex offender Epstein.

The individual inquired how long the monarch had been known about his sibling's relationship with Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the police to "conceal" for Prince Andrew.

Despite the heckling, there were crowds of well-wishers and applause for the monarch, who was visiting Staffordshire for an engagement.

The Duke of York's links with Jeffrey Epstein have been under close examination in the past few weeks. The prince, who relinquished his royal duties earlier this month, has categorically denied any misconduct.

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

The King did not respond but continued meeting fans, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One supporter can be heard requesting him for a hug.

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

Scandal Reignited by Posthumous Publication

The controversy over Prince Andrew's connections to Epstein has been reignited by misconduct claims detailed in Ms. Giuffre's posthumously-published book.

In the memoir, Ms Giuffre alleges she had sex with the prince on three separate occasions, including once with Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has consistently denied any misconduct. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not recall meeting Ms Giuffre "ever", and that they "did not have any sort of intimate relations."

New Inquiries Over Lifestyle and Housing

But in recent times, fresh questions have been asked about how he is able to fund his way of life despite not being a working royal.

The revelation 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 significant contributions initially, including for improvements.

The political party said he should be called in front of MPs to give evidence about his lease of his lodge.

But last Thursday, the government declined to give parliamentarians time to debate the royal's titles or his home, despite increasing calls for scrutiny.

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

Related Topics

• The Duke of York
• British Monarchy
• The Monarch