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In the course of a engagement to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, King Charles was confronted by a man who asked him about Prince Andrew's relationship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The individual demanded to know how long the King had been known about his brother's relationship with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had instructed the police to "cover up" for Andrew.

Despite the heckling, there were large groups of fans and cheers for the King, who was visiting Staffordshire for an event.

Prince Andrew's links with Epstein have been under close examination in the past few weeks. The royal, who gave up his titles earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

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

The King remained silent but continued meeting fans, some of whom shouted "Long live the King". One supporter can be overheard asking him for a embrace.

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

Controversy Reignited by Posthumous Publication

The scandal over Prince Andrew's connections to Epstein has been brought back into focus by sexual abuse claims detailed in Ms. Giuffre's recently released memoir.

In the publication, Ms Giuffre alleges she had sex with the royal on multiple times, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "several other minors"

Prince Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has consistently denied any misconduct. In a previous interview, he told a news program he did not recall meeting her "ever", and that they "never had any sort of intimate relations."

Fresh Questions Over Finances and Living Arrangements

But in recent times, new inquiries have been raised about how he is able to finance his lifestyle despite not being a active member of the royal family.

The revelation that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Windsor mansion has intensified the scrutiny over his housing situation - even though he made large payments up front, including for improvements.

The political party said he should be called in before MPs to give evidence about his lease of his lodge.

But last week, the government refused to give parliamentarians time to discuss the royal's titles or his residence, despite increasing calls for scrutiny.

Buckingham Palace has not commented on whether the Duke of York might relocate of his current residence - or where he might reside.

Associated Issues

• Prince Andrew
• British Monarchy
• King Charles III