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In the course of a visit to a cathedral in Staffordshire on the start of the week, the King was heckled by a man who asked him about Prince Andrew's relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The protester inquired how long the monarch had been known about his sibling's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had asked the authorities to "conceal" for Prince Andrew.

Despite the protest, there were crowds of well-wishers and applause for the King, who was visiting the region for an ceremony.

Prince Andrew's links with Epstein have been under close examination in recent weeks. The prince, who relinquished his royal duties earlier this month, has categorically denied any wrongdoing.

"For how long have you known about Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Did you request the authorities to conceal for Andrew?"

The monarch did not respond but carried on meeting supporters, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One supporter can be overheard requesting him for a embrace.

Another woman outside the cathedral was also observed telling the heckler to "leave" and to "shut up".

Controversy Reignited by Memoir

The controversy over Prince Andrew's links to Epstein has been brought back into focus by sexual abuse allegations detailed in Ms. Giuffre's recently released book.

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

Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told a news program he did not recall meeting her "at all", and that they "did not have any sort of intimate relations."

New Inquiries About Lifestyle and Living Arrangements

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 revelation that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Royal Lodge has intensified the examination over his housing situation - even though he made large payments initially, including for improvements.

The Liberal Democrats said he should be summoned before members of parliament to give evidence about his lease of his residence.

But last Thursday, the government declined to give MPs time to discuss the prince's titles or his home, despite increasing calls for investigation.

Buckingham Palace has not commented on whether Prince Andrew might relocate of his current residence - or where he might reside.

Related Topics

• Prince Andrew
• UK Royal Family
• King Charles III