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In the course of a engagement to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday, King Charles was confronted by a man who questioned him about his brother's links with disgraced financier Epstein.

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

Amid the heckling, there were throngs of supporters and cheers for the monarch, who was in the region for an engagement.

Prince Andrew's connections with Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in the past few weeks. The prince, who gave up his titles earlier this month, has strongly denied any misconduct.

"How long have you known about Andrew and Epstein? Did you request the authorities to conceal for Andrew?"

The monarch ignored the questions but carried on greeting supporters, some of whom chanted "God Save The King". One fan can be heard asking him for a hug.

A female bystander outside the cathedral was also heard telling the protester to "leave" and to "be quiet".

Controversy Reignited by Memoir

The controversy over the Duke of York's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been reignited by misconduct claims repeated in Virginia Giuffre's recently released memoir.

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

Prince Andrew, who agreed to a out-of-court agreement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told a news program he did not remember meeting Ms Giuffre "at all", and that they "did not have any sort of sexual contact."

Fresh Questions Over Finances and Housing

But recently, new inquiries 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 revelation that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Windsor mansion has intensified the scrutiny over his living arrangements - even though he made significant contributions initially, including for renovations.

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 authorities declined to give MPs time to discuss the prince's status or his residence, despite increasing calls for scrutiny.

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

Related Topics

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