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During a public appearance to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, King Charles was heckled by a individual who asked him about Prince Andrew's connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The protester asked how long the King had been aware about his sibling's association with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had instructed the authorities to "conceal" for Andrew.

Amid the protest, there were large groups of supporters and cheers for the King, who was in Staffordshire for an ceremony.

Prince Andrew's links with Epstein have been under close examination in the past few weeks. The royal, who relinquished his royal duties earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

"For how long have you known about Prince Andrew and Epstein? Did you request the police to cover up for Andrew?"

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

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

Scandal Reignited by Memoir

The scandal over Prince Andrew's connections to Epstein has been brought back into focus by sexual abuse allegations repeated in Ms. Giuffre's recently released book.

In the memoir, Ms Giuffre claims she had sex with the prince on multiple times, including once with Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Prince Andrew, who reached a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting Ms Giuffre "at all", and that they "did not have any sort of intimate relations."

Fresh Questions Over Finances and Housing

But recently, fresh questions have been raised about how he is able to fund his lifestyle despite not being a active member of the royal family.

The revelation that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Royal Lodge has intensified the examination over his housing situation - even though he made significant contributions up front, including for improvements.

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

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

The royal household has not commented on whether Prince Andrew might move out of his current residence - or where he might reside.

Associated Issues

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