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During a visit to a cathedral in Staffordshire on the start of the week, King Charles was shouted at by a man who asked him about Prince Andrew's connections with disgraced financier Epstein.

The individual demanded to know how long the King had been aware about his brother's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the police to "cover up" for Andrew.

Despite the heckling, there were crowds of supporters and applause for the monarch, who was visiting Staffordshire for an event.

The Duke of York's connections with Jeffrey Epstein have been under renewed focus in recent weeks. The prince, who relinquished his titles earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

"How long have you been aware about Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Have you asked the authorities to cover up for Andrew?"

The monarch did not respond but carried on greeting fans, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One supporter can be heard requesting him for a hug.

A female bystander outside the cathedral was also heard telling the heckler to "go away" and to "shut up".

Controversy Reignited by Posthumous Publication

The scandal over Prince Andrew's connections to Jeffrey Epstein has been revived by sexual abuse claims repeated in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published book.

In the publication, the accuser says she had sex with the royal on three separate occasions, including one instance with Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Andrew, who reached a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, 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 Living Arrangements

But in recent times, fresh questions have been raised about how he is able to fund his way of life 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 large payments initially, including for improvements.

The Liberal Democrats said he should be summoned before members of parliament to give evidence about his rental agreement of his residence.

But last Thursday, the government refused to give MPs time to discuss the prince's status or his home, despite increasing calls for scrutiny.

Buckingham Palace has not issued a statement on whether the Duke of York might relocate of his home - or where he might go.

Related Topics

• The Duke of York
• British Monarchy
• King Charles III