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During a public appearance to a cathedral in Staffordshire on the start of the week, the King was shouted at by a individual who questioned him about Prince Andrew's relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

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

Amid the heckling, there were large groups of supporters and applause for the monarch, who was in Staffordshire for an event.

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

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

The monarch did not respond but carried on meeting fans, some of whom shouted "God Save The King". One fan can be heard requesting him for a embrace.

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

Controversy Revived by Posthumous Publication

The scandal over Prince Andrew's links to Epstein has been brought back into focus by sexual abuse allegations repeated in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published book.

In the publication, Ms Giuffre claims she had sexual encounters with the prince on three separate occasions, including once with Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Prince 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 recall meeting her "ever", and that they "did not have any sort of intimate relations."

New Inquiries Over Finances and Housing

But in recent times, new inquiries have been raised about how he is able to fund his way of life despite not being a working royal.

The disclosure 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 significant contributions up front, including for improvements.

The Liberal Democrats said he should be called in front of members of parliament to give evidence about his lease of his residence.

But last week, the authorities declined to give parliamentarians time to discuss the royal's status or his home, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.

The royal household 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
• The Monarch