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

The man asked how long the King had been known about his brother's association with Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the police to "conceal" for Andrew.

Despite the heckling, there were throngs of fans and applause for the monarch, who was in Staffordshire for an ceremony.

Prince Andrew's links with Jeffrey Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks. The royal, who gave up his titles earlier this month, has categorically denied any misconduct.

"How long have you known about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Have you asked the police to cover up for him?"

The monarch ignored the questions but continued meeting supporters, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One supporter can be heard asking him for a hug.

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

Controversy Reignited by Posthumous Publication

The scandal over the Duke of York's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been revived by sexual abuse allegations repeated in Ms. Giuffre's posthumously-published book.

In the memoir, Ms Giuffre says she had sex with the royal on three separate occasions, including one instance with Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with the plaintiff in recent years, has consistently 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 sexual contact."

Fresh Questions About Finances and Housing

But recently, fresh questions have been raised about how he is able to finance his lifestyle despite not being a active member of the royal family.

The disclosure that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Windsor mansion has heightened the scrutiny over his living arrangements - even though he made significant contributions up front, including for improvements.

The political party said he should be summoned front of members of parliament to give evidence about his lease of his lodge.

But last Thursday, the authorities declined to give MPs time to debate the royal's status or his residence, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.

The royal household has not commented on whether the Duke of York might move out of his home - or where he might reside.

Associated Issues

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