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During a engagement to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday, King Charles was confronted by a man who asked him about Prince Andrew's connections with disgraced financier Epstein.

The individual asked how long the monarch had been known about his sibling's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had asked the authorities to "hide" for Prince Andrew.

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

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

"For how long have you been aware about Andrew and Epstein? Have you asked the authorities to conceal for Andrew?"

The monarch remained silent but carried on greeting fans, some of whom shouted "God Save The King". One supporter can be heard asking him for a hug.

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

Scandal Reignited by Posthumous Publication

The controversy over Prince Andrew's connections to Jeffrey Epstein has been brought back into focus by sexual abuse claims repeated in Virginia Giuffre's recently released book.

In the publication, the accuser alleges she had sex with the prince on multiple times, including once with Jeffrey Epstein and "several other minors"

Andrew, who agreed to a out-of-court agreement with the plaintiff in 2022, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting Ms Giuffre "at all", and that they "did not have any sort of sexual contact."

Fresh Questions About 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 working royal.

The revelation that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Royal Lodge has intensified the examination over his housing situation - even though he made large payments up front, including for renovations.

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

But last Thursday, the authorities declined to give parliamentarians time to debate the prince's titles or his residence, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.

Buckingham Palace has not issued a statement on whether Prince Andrew might move out of his current residence - or where he might go.

Related Topics

• The Duke of York
• UK Royal Family
• The Monarch