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In the course of a visit to a cathedral in Staffordshire on Monday, the King was confronted by a protester who questioned him about Prince Andrew's connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The man asked how long the monarch had been aware about his sibling's association with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had asked the authorities to "hide" for Prince Andrew.

Despite the protest, there were throngs of supporters and cheers for the monarch, who was visiting Staffordshire for an engagement.

The Duke of York's connections with Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks. The royal, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

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

The monarch ignored the questions but continued greeting supporters, some of whom chanted "God Save The King". One fan can be overheard asking him for a hug.

Another woman outside the cathedral was also heard telling the heckler to "go away" and to "be quiet".

Controversy Revived by Memoir

The controversy over Prince Andrew's links to Epstein has been brought back into focus by misconduct claims repeated in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published book.

In the publication, the accuser says she had sexual encounters with the royal on multiple times, including one instance with Epstein and "several other minors"

Prince Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with the plaintiff in 2022, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, 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 Housing

But in recent times, 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 nominal fee on his Royal Lodge has intensified the scrutiny over his living arrangements - even though he made significant contributions 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 week, the government refused to give MPs time to debate the royal's titles or his home, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.

Buckingham Palace has not commented on whether the Duke of York might relocate of his home - or where he might go.

Associated Issues

• Prince Andrew
• UK Royal Family
• King Charles III