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In the course of a visit to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday, King Charles was confronted by a man who questioned him about Prince Andrew's links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The individual demanded to know how long the monarch had been aware about his brother's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had asked the authorities to "conceal" for Andrew.

Despite the heckling, there were large groups of well-wishers and applause for the monarch, who was in Staffordshire for an event.

The Duke of York's connections with Jeffrey Epstein have been under close examination in recent weeks. The royal, who relinquished his royal duties earlier this month, has categorically denied any misconduct.

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

The King ignored the questions but carried on meeting supporters, some of whom shouted "Long live the King". One fan can be heard asking him for a hug.

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

Controversy Revived by Posthumous Publication

The controversy over the Duke of York's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been revived by sexual abuse allegations detailed in Virginia Giuffre's recently released book.

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

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 Ms Giuffre "ever", and that they "never had any sort of intimate relations."

New Inquiries Over Lifestyle and Housing

But in recent times, fresh questions 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 token annual rent on his Royal Lodge has intensified the scrutiny over his housing situation - even though he made large payments initially, including for improvements.

The Liberal Democrats said he should be summoned before MPs to give testimony about his lease of his lodge.

But last week, the government declined to give parliamentarians time to debate the prince's titles or his home, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.

The royal household has not issued a statement on whether the Duke of York might relocate of his home - or where he might reside.

Related Topics

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