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In the course of a engagement to a cathedral in Staffordshire on the start of the week, the King was confronted by a man who questioned him about his brother's links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The man inquired how long the King had been known about his sibling's association with Epstein, and also questioned whether he had asked the police to "cover up" for Prince Andrew.

Despite the protest, there were throngs of well-wishers and cheers for the King, who was in the region for an engagement.

The Duke of York's links with Jeffrey Epstein have been under close examination in the past few weeks. The prince, who relinquished his titles earlier this month, has categorically denied any wrongdoing.

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

The King ignored the questions but continued meeting fans, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One fan can be overheard requesting him for a embrace.

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

Scandal Reignited by Memoir

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

In the memoir, the accuser says she had sexual encounters with the prince on multiple times, including one instance with Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Prince Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not recall meeting Ms Giuffre "ever", and that they "did not have any sort of intimate relations."

Fresh Questions Over Lifestyle and Housing

But in recent times, fresh questions have been asked about how he is able to finance his lifestyle despite not being a working royal.

The disclosure that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Royal Lodge has heightened the scrutiny over his housing situation - even though he made significant contributions initially, including for improvements.

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

But last Thursday, the authorities declined to give parliamentarians time to discuss the royal's status or his residence, despite increasing calls for investigation.

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

Related Topics

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