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In the course of a public appearance to a cathedral in Staffordshire on Monday, King Charles was heckled by a individual who asked him about his brother's connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The protester inquired how long the King had been aware about his sibling's association with Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the authorities to "hide" for Prince Andrew.

Amid the heckling, there were crowds of fans and applause for the King, who was visiting Staffordshire for an ceremony.

The Duke of York's links with Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in the past few weeks. The prince, who relinquished his titles earlier this month, has categorically denied any wrongdoing.

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

The monarch remained silent but carried on greeting supporters, some of whom shouted "God Save The King". One fan can be overheard asking him for a embrace.

A female bystander outside the venue was also observed telling the protester to "go away" and to "be quiet".

Controversy Reignited by Memoir

The controversy over the Duke of York's links to Epstein has been revived by misconduct allegations detailed in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published memoir.

In the publication, Ms Giuffre alleges she had sex with the prince on multiple times, including once with Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told a news program he did not recall meeting Ms Giuffre "ever", and that they "never had any sort of sexual contact."

New Inquiries Over Finances and Housing

But in recent times, new inquiries have been asked about how he is able to fund 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 Royal Lodge has intensified the scrutiny over his housing situation - even though he made significant contributions initially, including for renovations.

The Liberal Democrats said he should be called in before MPs to give testimony about his rental agreement of his residence.

But last Thursday, the authorities refused to give parliamentarians time to discuss the royal's status or his residence, despite increasing calls for scrutiny.

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

Related Topics

• The Duke of York
• UK Royal Family
• King Charles III