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In the course of a visit to a cathedral in Staffordshire on the start of the week, King Charles was confronted by a protester who questioned him about his brother's connections with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The individual inquired how long the monarch had been known about his sibling's relationship with Epstein, and also questioned whether he had asked the authorities to "cover up" for Prince Andrew.

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

Prince Andrew's links with Epstein have been under renewed focus in the past few weeks. The prince, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has strongly denied any misconduct.

"How long have you known about Prince Andrew and Epstein? Have you asked the authorities to cover up for him?"

The monarch did not respond but continued meeting supporters, some of whom shouted "God Save The King". One supporter can be heard asking him for a hug.

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

Controversy Revived by Posthumous Publication

The controversy over the Duke of York's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been brought back into focus by sexual abuse allegations detailed in Ms. Giuffre's posthumously-published book.

In the memoir, Ms Giuffre alleges she had sex with the prince on multiple times, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting her "at all", and that they "did not have any sort of intimate relations."

Fresh Questions About Finances and Housing

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

The disclosure that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Royal Lodge has heightened the examination over his living arrangements - even though he made large payments initially, including for improvements.

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

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

The royal household has not issued a statement on whether Prince Andrew might relocate of his current residence - or where he might go.

Associated Issues

• The Duke of York
• British Monarchy
• The Monarch