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During a visit to a cathedral in Staffordshire on the start of the week, the King was heckled by a individual who asked him about Prince Andrew's links with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

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

Amid the heckling, there were throngs of well-wishers and applause for the King, who was in the region for an engagement.

The Duke of York's links with Epstein have been under close examination in recent weeks. The prince, who relinquished his titles earlier this month, has strongly denied any misconduct.

"For how long have you known about Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Have you asked the police to cover up for him?"

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

Another woman outside the cathedral was also heard telling the heckler to "leave" and to "shut up".

Scandal Reignited by Posthumous Publication

The controversy over the Duke of York's connections to Jeffrey Epstein has been brought back into focus by sexual abuse claims repeated in Virginia Giuffre's recently released memoir.

In the memoir, Ms Giuffre alleges she had sexual encounters with the prince on three separate occasions, including once with Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Prince Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has repeatedly denied any misconduct. In a previous interview, he told a news program he did not recall meeting her "at all", and that they "did not have any sort of intimate relations."

New Inquiries Over Finances and Living Arrangements

But in recent times, new inquiries have been raised about how he is able to finance his way of life despite not being a active member of the royal family.

The revelation that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Royal Lodge has heightened the scrutiny over his living arrangements - even though he made large payments initially, including for renovations.

The political party said he should be called in front of members of parliament to give evidence about his lease of his lodge.

But last week, the authorities refused to give MPs time to debate the royal's status or his home, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.

Buckingham Palace has not issued a statement on whether Prince Andrew might move out of his current residence - or where he might reside.

Related Topics

• The Duke of York
• British Monarchy
• The Monarch